Moroccan-Algerian co-operation viewed as key in fight against terrorism

19/07/2007

In what could be an important turn in the tide for relations between Algeria and Morocco, the two countries have expressed interest in co-operating in order to fight terrorism.

By Achira Mammeri in Algiers and Sarah Touahri in Rabat for Magharebia – 19/07/2007

[Getty Images] Moroccan policeman stand guard at a checkpoint on July 14th in Casablanca. King Mohammed VI of Morocco called for closer cooperation with neighbouring Algeria in the fight against terrorism.

Morocco and Algeria are exploring the potential for enhanced co-operation in the fight against terrorism. In a July 13th message to Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, King Mohammed VI of Morocco proposed "solid bilateral co-operation" to combat the threat to the region. The sovereign indicated his total commitment to defeating terrorist criminals, signalling that "the peace and stability of neighbouring Algeria, with which we are careful to maintain permanent good relations as neighbours, is an integral part of Morocco's stability".

The king's message, which could be an historic turning point in the relations of the two countries, followed an attack in Lakhdaria, Algeria, which claimed the lives of eight soldiers.

Algeria gave its official response one week later. Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni announced on Tuesday (July 17th) to the Algerian press that "co-operation between the security services of both countries can only be beneficial to stability and peace in the region." He added that "since the emergence of terrorism in the Maghreb, Algeria has consistently called for close co-operation between all countries concerned."

In a conversation with Magharebia, Mohamed Laagab, a political analyst and lecturer at the University of Algiers specialising in Algerian-Moroccan relations, gave an analysis of the situation, saying "the King of Morocco has sent a very diplomatic message to Algeria, and this is a step we welcome. However, it is important that it be followed up with concrete action."

Laagab believes the two countries are obliged to fight a joint battle against the terrorist threat, for two main reasons. "First, they are geographical neighbours. This means Algerian stability is closely linked to that of Morocco, and the latter stands to gain a great deal from sharing a border with a country that has conquered religious extremism and terrorism."

He said the question of security should be "de-politicised", and that "both countries need to put aside the issues causing problems between them, particularly Western Sahara, if they are to be able to take a more objective view of the security situation."

The Moroccan Interior Ministry has said the danger of terrorism persists and continues to weigh heavily on the region, especially the Sahel area where organised crime and terrorism are on the rise.

The region has become a breeding ground for al-Qaeda since the former Algerian Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) announced it would join the terror network and adopt a regional scope for its operations. The Interior Ministry says Moroccan authorities have implemented a number of measures to counter the terrorist threat coming from the Sahel and have arrested several senior members of the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group, which has links with the former GSPC and networks responsible for recruiting combatants for Iraq.

Civil society groups and political parties in both countries have echoed the call for increased co-operation in the face of what has become a regional threat.

Farouk Ksentini, jurist and chairman of the Algerian National Advisory Committee for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, said the commitment to "co-operation between Algeria and Morocco over the war on terror is total." He called Algeria's reply to the Moroccan king's message "clear" and "genuine".

Moroccan Democratic Forces Front Secretary-General Thami El Khyari indicated the Maghreb needs greater solidarity and vigilance. "At the same time, we must maintain our calm and serenity. We hope Algerian officials will see the value of regional co-operation. All our efforts must be brought together to combat terrorism," he said.

Mohamed Moujahid, leader of Morocco's Unified Socialist Party, told Magharebia that co-operation is more important than ever. He stressed, however, that if stability and security are to be guaranteed, any action must also address social and economic factors. "We cannot win the battle with a security approach alone. We must first find a solution to the problem of the Sahara, because we know the Sahel to be a breeding ground for terrorists. Secondly, economic and social co-operation would give the region strength and the ability to combat poverty, which is one of the factors behind terrorism. This can only happen if borders are opened up and large-scale projects are undertaken," he said.