Morocco has rejected the reasons put forward by Algeria in its decision to sever diplomatic relations with its North African neighbour, describing it as “completely unjustifiable.”
The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, however, pledged to continue acting as “a credible and loyal to the Algerian people and will continue to act with wisdom.”
Algeria had on Tuesday announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Morocco, alleging the country used the Pegasus spyware against Algerian officials and providing support to members of the MAK separatist movement, which is fighting for self-determination in the Kabylie region of Algeria.
MAK is believed to have started forest fires in Algeria and is also accused of involvement in the killing of a man mistaken for an arsonist.
“The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria,” Ramdane Lamamra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad told journalists in Algiers on Tuesday.
But Morocco’s Foreign Ministry rejects Algeria’s decision as not only unjustifiable but also “fallacious and absurd.”
A statement from the ministry read, “The Kingdom of Morocco has taken note of the unilateral decision of the Algerian authorities to sever diplomatic relations with Morocco starting this day.
“Morocco regrets this completely unjustified but expected decision – in view of the logic of escalation noted in recent weeks – as well as its impact on the Algerian people. Morocco categorically rejects the fallacious, even absurd, pretexts underlying it.
“For its part, the Kingdom of Morocco will remain a credible and loyal partner for the Algerian people and will continue to act, with wisdom and responsibility, for the development of healthy and fruitful inter-Maghreb relations.”
The Algerian foreign ministry had previously summoned the Moroccan ambassador over remarks the Moroccan envoy to the UN had made backing the separatist movement in Algeria.
Rabat has not responded to Algiers’ questions. This is believed to have worsened the row between the two countries and led to Algeria severing all ties.
Morocco has also been accused of spying on Algerian military and political leaders and journalists using Israeli technology. Morocco denies this.
Algeria and Morocco’s already strained relations over Western Sahara have gotten worse recently with Rabat’s reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Israel.
Algeria and Morocco’s already strained relations over Western Sahara have gotten worse recently with Rabat’s reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Israel.