Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune intensified hostilities against Morocco in a recent interview with French media L’Opinion published on Sunday, attacking the Kingdom’s territorial integrity.
Tebboune wasted no time launching accusations against Morocco in the interview. “Morocco was the first to threaten Algeria’s integrity with its aggression in 1963, just nine months after our independence. It has always had expansionist ambitions,” he declared, referring to the Sand War—an armed conflict provoked by Algerian attacks on Moroccan military positions.
He doubled down further, blaming Morocco for the deterioration of relations. “We have extended a hand several times, but the response has always been provocations, interference, and dubious alliances [with Israel] aimed at harming Algeria,” he claimed.
The Algerian president’s remarks are against the backdrop of the ongoing diplomatic crisis between the two nations since Algeria unilaterally severed ties with Morocco in 2021.
Tebboune took a hardline position against the Moroccan Sahara, attacking Morocco’s sovereignty. “The Sahara is not Moroccan territory. It is an occupied land waiting for self-determination,” he insisted, ignoring growing international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern territories.
He lashed out at nations backing Rabat’s position, accusing them of prioritizing “economic and geopolitical interests over people’s right to self-determination.”
The Algerian president also addressed France, demanding full recognition of Algeria’s sovereignty. “The era of paternalism is over. It’s time to build relations based on reciprocity and mutual respect,” he said.