Video creates new diplomatic tensions between Algeria and Morocco

Text by: RFI Follow

Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sabri Boukadoum summoned the Moroccan ambassador to Algiers on Wednesday. At the origin of this convocation, which was not made public until the following day, a video in which the consul of the kingdom in Oran made controversial remarks.

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The video in question was widely shared on social media. We see a man, presented as the Moroccan consul in Oran, talking to Moroccan nationals.

The latter complain of the difficulties they encounter in returning to their country, the borders having been closed since March due to the coronavirus. The man gives explanations and we hear the sentence: "  We are in an enemy country.  "

In its statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry indicates that this qualification, if it were to be established,"  is a serious violation of diplomatic habits and customs, which can not be tolerated.  "Algeria therefore requests the Moroccan authorities to take"  appropriate measures to avoid any repercussions on bilateral relations . "

For years, relations between the two neighbors have been strained  over the question of Western Sahara , a territory that Morocco controls largely. Algiers, for its part, supports the separatists of the Polisario Front. At the beginning of May, the Moroccan Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, deplored that a neighboring country "  continues to fuel separatism  ".

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• Algeria
• Morocco
• Western Sahara

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