Algeria has accused Morocco of deploying Israeli intelligence agents within its borders, allegedly utilizing Moroccan passports. This allegation, reported by the Algerian news agency APS and confirmed by the Foreign Ministry, claims that Morocco is actively working against Algeria’s stability and national security.
The Foreign Ministry’s report, published on Thursday, further accused Morocco of facilitating various criminal networks involved in drug and human trafficking, smuggling, illegal migration, and espionage. In response to these serious allegations, the Algerian government has instituted a requirement for all foreign nationals holding Moroccan passports to obtain mandatory entry visas, tightening security measures and increasing scrutiny on cross-border movement.
The backdrop to this diplomatic clash dates back to August 24, 2021, when Algeria severed ties with Morocco. Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra stated that this decision was prompted by a history of “despicable acts” carried out by Morocco against Algeria since the country’s independence. He emphasized that Morocco’s hostility is systematic and has persisted since the 1963 war between the two nations.
Lamamra pointed to recent statements made by the Israeli foreign minister during a visit to Morocco, describing them as aggressive and unprecedented in the context of Arab relations. He highlighted that it had not occurred since 1948 for an Israeli minister to issue hostile remarks about an Arab country from another Arab nation.
The long-standing border dispute has further strained relations, with the border between Morocco and Algeria remaining closed since 1994. This closure was enacted after the bombings of the Atlas Asni hotel in Marrakech, leading to a series of visa restrictions and reciprocal border closures. Last year, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune remarked that relations with Morocco had reached “the point of no return,” signaling a deepening rift between the two North African nations.
