Algeria-Morocco tensions will be contained

Significance

In June, Morocco accused Algeria of illicitly facilitating the transfer of Western Saharan independence leader Brahim Ghali to Spain for medical treatment. In July, an investigative journalism consortium revealed that Morocco had been engaged in a cyber espionage offensive that targeted, among others, Algerian politicians, military officers, civil society activists and journalists. Morocco extended an olive branch, which Algeria immediately rejected.

Impacts

• Though Brussels has long favoured Rabat over Algiers, Morocco’s recent actions may reinvigorate Algeria-EU relations
• The developments, which seem detrimental to Morocco’s foreign relations, may indicate that King Mohammed has less control than in the past.
• Moroccan and Algerian business communities are unlikely to be impacted by the diplomatic spats.