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Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has consistently extended an olive branch to Algeria, urging the normalization of ties, the reopening of borders, and the revival of Maghreb integration. Yet, every sincere Moroccan initiative has been met with silence or hostility from Algiers.
In his historic Throne Day speech on July 30, the King once again reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering commitment to a frank and honest dialogue on all outstanding issues. His message was clear: Morocco remains open to reconciliation and regional cooperation.
This is not a new stance. In 2005, King Mohammed VI visited Algeria for an Arab League summit, emphasizing the deep-rooted bonds between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples, bonds of history, culture, and shared destiny. He has repeatedly described the two nations as “twin peoples,” united by geography and blood, and has maintained a policy of openness and goodwill.
Morocco’s approach is not just diplomatic. It is historical. During Algeria’s war of independence, the Moroccan monarchy and people stood firmly by their Algerian brothers, offering weapons, shelter, and unwavering support. Morocco served as the main rear base for the Algerian liberation army. Ironically, decades later, Algeria has become the rear base of a separatist militia that has failed in its separatist scheme in southern Morocco, or the Sahara.
While Morocco champions unity and cooperation, Algeria’s ruling elite- led by a military establishment hiding behind a fragile civilian façade- has chosen confrontation.
Under President Tebboune and General Chengriha, Algeria has doubled down on its support for the Polisario, turning it into a state-sponsored obsession. The regime’s reaction to the U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara was not dialogue, but diplomatic rupture.
As Morocco gains growing international support for its territorial integrity, Algeria isolates itself further, punishing even its own citizens with measures that harm mixed Moroccan-Algerian families. From banning Moroccan flights in 2021 to imposing visas on Moroccans, Algeria has escalated tensions unilaterally.
Throughout, Morocco has remained dignified and silent, refusing to be dragged into provocations. History will be the ultimate judge of who worked for Maghreb integration and unity and who stood in its way.
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