Tensions between Algeria and Morocco are not about to abate. Algiers has just decided to end the functions of its ambassador in Rabat, Abdelhamid Abdaoui.
“By presidential decree of 19 Safar 1443 corresponding to September 26, 2021, the functions of extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, in Rabat (Kingdom of Morocco) are terminated as of August 25, 2021 , exercised by Mr. Abdelhamid Abdaoui ”, we can read in the decision published in the official bulletin of Monday, October 11.
Last July, Algiers recalled Abdelhamid Abdaoui for consultation. On August 24, Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco because of “hostile acts” against it. Algiers notably reproaches Rabat for the support of Omar Hilale, permanent representative of the kingdom to the United Nations, to the “valiant Kabyle people”, the statements of the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs during his historic visit to Rabat, old incidents, such as the desecration of the Algerian flag at the Casablanca consulate in 2013.
September 22: new escalation. Algeria has closed its airspace to Moroccan civilian and military planes and to those with Moroccan registration numbers. Since then, tensions have been mounting. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Sunday threatened to go to extremes if Moroccan attacks on his country continued.
“Of course, it is not easy to go towards a direct confrontation, but Algeria will go towards this eventuality in case of extreme necessity. […] Who seeks us, finds us, ”he threatened in an interview with the national media.
