France and Algeria Clash Over Western Sahara Region
Diplomatic relations with Algeria quickly deteriorated into crisis, leading Algiers to withdraw its ambassador from Paris.
Diplomatic relations with Algeria quickly deteriorated into crisis, leading Algiers to withdraw its ambassador from Paris.
The new Algeria-China partnership, along side Algeria’s growing military and economic relationship with Russia, feed into a regional conflict between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara.
The European Commission confirmed this week that negotiations for a new fisheries agreement have not yet commenced, but any deal is likely to stir the pot on the question of Western Saharan sovereignty and Morocco’s meddling in Spain and the European Parliament.
Morocco has been emboldened by a diplomatic boost after signing the Abraham Accords, complicating accusations made against Morocco of using Israeli-designed spy technology to meddle in European politics.
Spanish press suggests Spain allowed its position on the Western Sahara to be formulated by Morocco.
“Don’t forget the last colony of Africa, Western Sahara … Let us fight to free Western Sahara from oppression,” said Mandla Mandela.
Despite the wide economic gulf between them, Moroccan diplomacy has by far exceeded that of Spain—the size of an economy is not a determining factor in deciding a country’s importance to larger players.
In a remarkable break with its historic policy, reflecting either incompetence or deliberate national sabotage, the Spanish government has accepted Moroccan designs over the Western Sahara.
Strong U.S.-Moroccan relations make it difficult for Spain to gain clear assurances from NATO concerning the security of its north African territories. Insofar as these continue to be treated as a bargaining chip, subject to Morocco’s discretion, Spanish political elites are likely to offer concessions in other areas.
Algeria breaks its 2002 Treaty of Friendship with Spain over the Spanish government’s decision to recognize Moroccan designs on the Western Sahara.
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