Moroccan-Algerian co-operation viewed as key in fight against terrorism
2007-07-19
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.
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EL BAKI Mohamed Posted 2007-07-21
And here we are, some wonderful news. This first initiative could lead others to achieve more and more significant relations between the two countries. On a political level, situations could thus change and permit the building of a Great Maghreb to advance. This would be for the greater good of all the people of North Africa (including Libya and Mauritania.)
nacim Posted 2007-07-21
Morocco created the GIA. It sheltered Layada and his accomplices. Its land was used to launch terrorist attacks against Algeria. There's your co-operation.
houari Posted 2007-07-21
My family was decimated in Beni-Ouefni by a group of terrorists coming from Morocco and returning after the massacre. I demand that Driss Basri be judged by the Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity.
el hadi Posted 2007-07-21
While Morocco didn’t have any problem with Algeria, it used the GIA to put pressure on Algeria. It was Driss Basri who said that. Today, now that the threat of terrorism is weighing on the Kingdom, it asks Algeria for co-operation.
adan Posted 2007-07-24
I don't think that Algeria will accept the call of Morocco as it believes in the saying 'When it's general, it's more tolerable', especially concerning Morocco.
Tariq Bb Posted 2007-07-24
Please, Let us forget the past and look to the future. Here, in Morocco, everyone loves both Algeria and the Algerians. That is the truth. Why is everyone accusing us? Our king is very caring and sincere. He knows nothing of hate and vengeance. We are aspiring for a world of peace and fraternity. Leave the past to the past and let us unify ourselves for the good of all; life is too short.
bilel Posted 2007-07-25
Since 1992, Algeria has asked for everyone’s co-operation and Morocco has turned a deaf ear to them. Only since 2007 has your king asked otherwise. As an Algerian I do not accept this, but without the opening of our borders. We do not need drugs and Algeria is doing quite well economically. Moreover, we have no foreign debt.
kader Posted 2007-07-25
Your website is too Moroccan. As soon as you criticize the country, its government or its King, the article is automatically refused. This is not honest. Algeria has been asking for this co-operation for 17 years, and the King only began to act in 2007. You are just doing all this to tell everyone that the King is kind and Bouteflika is the villain.
Tariq Bb Posted 2007-07-26
Hello, we here in Morocco detest drugs. By the way, the whole world suffers from them. That is why I said we must forget the past and work together to eradicate this virus; at least in our region, and it is not easy. This will be a real war against lobbies/dealers in our two countries who won't let it go easily. Who said that Mister BOUTEFLIKA is a villain? Who injected you with these clichés? You think we wish you ill? NEVER. Re-read the last testament of our Prophet before he died. Please, leave the past in the past and let us unite, for the good of everyone, and that love and solidarity reign. We should not pay for the mistakes of previous generations. Even the Prophets suffered persecution. The truth is we like you here.
michel Posted 2007-07-26
It's true, like by accident in 2007 Morocco accepts co-operation because there are more and more terrorists and it's afraid for tourists. Morocco needs to open the border, Algeria will lose a lot.
Tariq Bb Posted 2007-07-27
Where does this Michel come from? Please, stop! This is none of your business, This is something between two brothers. Misters Kader and Bilel, there is an example of butting in. Almost all Moroccan teachers would like to travel to Algeria. Why are we deprived of this privilege? I often speak with Algerians here in Morocco and we get along very well. The truth is that they were very friendly. Once again, we must forget the past and counteract those people like Michel, because he has many doppelgangers.
kader Posted 2007-07-28
In response to Tariq Bb, it is the Moroccan press that is hung up on Bouteflika and, more particularly, the weekly newspaper “The Gazette” that criticizes Algeria for not wanting to open its borders. If you would like to take a look at the site “The Algerian-Moroccan Border,” you will see how Morocco was against opening the borders out of fear of terrorism from the start in 2002. It is always said that you know who your friends are when time get difficult, and this was neither the case between our governments nor our compatriots. Algeria was only resisting terrorism, and it found assistance in friendly European countries like José Maria Aznar’s Spain and Italy and in the United States. Go to the site I gave you and, as an answer, you will find the brutality of your compatriots towards Algeria and its people. Now you see who planted those stereotypes. Now, you have no right to speak to us of love and solidarity. Algeria has suffered much from terrorism. And certain countries, at that point in time, looked on all Algerians as terrorist. It is thanks to Bouteflika that Algeria became as it is now and this is only the beginning. Everyone knows that there are many traders in East Morocco who are penalised by the closing of the border. In 2006 almost one million Algerians went to Tunisia for vacation. This would have been twice as much if it had been to Morocco. The origin of the disagreement stems from your country installing entry visa regulations for Algerians. To the best of Driss Basri’s knowledge, terrorism had no borders. Yesterday, the press in both countries spoke about Moroccan terrorists in Algeria that the Algerian army killed. Therefore, in 2007 (and late at that) you come talk to us about co-operation? Your leaders are 17 years behind. Michel has the right to say that fear is “for the tourists,” but that is one of our principal sources of money. I would likewise say the same. If not, let time take care of it. I hope this text will be published. Algeria has suffered too much to not deserve that. Thank you. And, do not forget the gas pipeline that goes through Morocco to Spain. This was a very costly project for Algeria. It would have been less expensive to go straight through the Mediterranean (like the current one by the name MEDGAZ”). Algeria has always proven its solidarity wit hits neighbors, but in return has got nothing.
hala Posted 2007-07-29
We shouldn't forget that some Algerian leaders have studied in Morocco, in the city of Oujda, and some are of a Moroccan mother. Morocco and Algeria are neighbours, we shouldn't allow anyone to separate us. On the occasion of the Throne Day, best wishes to the Moroccan king and Alaoui family, and best wishes to the Algerian people. We hope that all problems between them will be solved.
Mehdi Posted 2007-07-31
Driss Basri, the author of Algeria’s and Morocco’s problems, is on the run in Europe. Mohammed VI probably will not be able to escape his father’s policies overnight. To have a new policy, we need new people. Transition is a long road and we must be patient so as to rebuild Moroccan-Algerian relations. We must not forget that Morocco has suffered greatly from the unconditional military and diplomatic support that Algeria gave to the Polisario. What would be reaction from the other side if Moroccan officials pressed for a liberation movement in the Algerian Sahara? In short, there are a lot of misunderstandings that have been left to fester for many years. But be somewhat just and realistic. Remember that, likewise, we are quite long off from the fratricidal wars between France and Germany and their millions of victims. And so.......
kader Posted 2007-08-01
In response to Mehdi: M6 has been in power since 1999-2000 and it took him some time to ask for Algeria’s co-operation with regards to terrorism. He only asked when his country came to know the problem personally. All the same, it is bizarre and he was crown prince. In this respect, he has his own say. At each international meeting, including at the level of the United Nations, Algeria has always attracted the attention of the international community concerning the danger of terrorism. And when I speak of Driss Basri, it is automatically the government. Because the question of the introduction of visas for Algerians requires the approval of the King or at least the head of government, and so the the majority of Algerians can't seem to forget it. Moreover, Morocco is not the United States or Canada. Thus, in my opinion the border between Algeria and Morocco will remain closed for a long time unless Morocco makes some sort of grand gesture to Algeria and I can't see it happening. Logically, for Algeria the idea of opening the borders isn't worth it because it would need to spend a lot of money on running such services; nothing is free in interstate relations. Though Algeria was once considered a milking cow, with Bouteflika and his experience in the domain of diplomacy, things have gotten more difficult: he is always watching of the Supreme Interests of the nation. With regards to asking what Algeria’s reaction would be if Morocco pressed for an independence movement, this question is null and void. Such a movement does not exist but the RASD does. One cannot deny the existence of an entire people. Try to get Ceuta and Melilla back first. -Goodbye my brother and no hard feelings!
azawan rachid Posted 2007-08-01
The nations of Maghreb have no beginning nor end. Whenever a nation dies away, it's substituted by nations. When Hassan II died, he left us a physician called Mohamed Ben Al Hassan. He managed within eight years to boost the economy of the country with the testimony of the people of the nation and foreigners. We don't need what's called Algeria, as it's the country of slaughters, no oil, no natural gas, but we succeeded in overcoming 'Algeria' for thirty years with repsect to Tunisia which rivals Morocco in everything except democracy. Morocco, thanks to God, succeeded in establishing the state of institutions, if you don't believe that, you just have to visit Morocco to make your own judgment. We've broken ties with the past and started building Morocco from Tangier to Lagouira in the sectors of security and work sites. As to the country of slaughters, it's immersed in its internal conflicts and this is in our interest; they've brought Algeria back fifty years, God have mercy on you, no good is expected from you. We've liberated your country from the colonizer with your testimony, our reward was that you fabricated the problem of the Moroccan Sahara, and we've other plots, it's the issue of the tribes, the policy of the oil spot as well as the great Touareg people in addition to poisoning your young people to submerge in Rai. May God assist the commander of the believers our king Mohamed VI, the protector of the nation and the religion, Amen. your curiosity= your destruction.
Mehdi Posted 2007-08-03
True Kader, but my intentions were by no means to defend anyone. Prince Mohammed VI has never had anything to say against his father’s decisions. In short, the Moroccan people’s history pays no attention to momentary futilities such as the fact that opening the border would benefit Moroccans more than Algeria. Momentary hatred is a bad council. Look at yourself and think of the mixed families. I myself have been married to an Algerian for many years and I have two children with dual Algerian-Moroccan citizenship. Suffering is never one-sided. Remember the expulsion of 40,000 by the hand of the military in the 1970s, claiming what justice for having had to leave all their well-being in Algeria. But it is now to us to go beyond these acts of people no longer in this world or who have “politically” disappeared. Only at this price may one move forward. As for the RASD, it would certainly back the expenses of a new regional policy as it is anachronistic to want to create new states when everyone is thinking in terms of powerful regional blocks to negotiate these difficult globalization. Smaller countries have no chance to survive. –Sincerely
البليدى Posted 2007-08-12
Terrorism is a foreign product and not from Morocco. Morocco was a mere tool, America has boosted cooperation between Morocco and Algeria against the will of Bouteflika and Mohamed VI. No to opening borders between Algeria and Morocco. I wish this from the bottom of my heart.
acharif moulay abdellah bouskraoui Posted 2007-08-16
In the security sector, co-operation is obligatory to being successful against this plague, which has neither religion, nor a homeland and puts everyone in danger. This is an obscurantist ideology, which strikes at us mercilessly. Countries, no matter their conflicts or the distance between them, must co-operate with each other against this plague.
mohamed Posted 2008-01-07
My name is Mohamed. My father is Moroccan, my mother is Algerian. I hope from my heart that the borders will be opened because there are no borders between Muslims.
زياد Posted 2008-02-28
Both the government and people of Morocco denounce terrorism everywhere. It says to Algerians to elect a responsible government capable of undermining the juggernaut of terrorism, and thereby go forward to a better future.
الغيور ع المغرب العربي Posted 2008-03-01
Go generals of Algeria, may God disperse you as you divided the dear Algerian people and the Arab Maghreb including the big dog (El Amari). Bouteflika is a poor man, he’s just an imposter. I’m Moroccan and the Algerian, whatever happens, is my brother.
soufiane Posted 2008-03-23
I have been repeatedly shocked by the remarks the officials and journalists have made. They treat Algeria like an enemy in the Sahrawi affair! Moroccans have too many social and economic problems. They are losing their money in this colonising war, which is not being called such and which no longer belongs in this era. I crossed Morocco one day, going to Spain, and I saw a lot of things that speak volumes for our Moroccan brothers. Yet, their leaders are always behind due to several wars. Algerians are also behind, but in this era. And, they are coherent too. If decolonisation remains a key element to foreign policy, Morocco is going to continue on this path, trying to hide—as we say in the Maghreb, the sun with its sieve.
mohamd 74 Posted 2008-03-26
May God assist you king and hope you will remain for us and we are with you. Welcome our Algerian brothers.
عبدالرحمان Posted 2008-03-31
We the Algerians love Moroccans, both government and people, without any hatred - unlike you.
suofiane Posted 2008-04-18
Salam to all Muslims. I am Soufiane from Morocco. In the name of God most gracious most merciful. May God grant you triumph, King, and protect you for us, we are with you. Greetings to our Muslim brothers.
AL-MAHLAN LONDON Posted 2008-05-31
AS A MIDDLE EASTERN ARAB, I HAVE A NON BIASED JUDGEMENT, I SENSE WARM AND WISE CALLS FOR BROTHERHOOD AND BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP FROM MOST MOROCCANS (PEOPLE NOT NECESSARLY GOVERNMENT) ONLY TO BE FACED BY ORTHODOX REJECTIONS FROM ALGERIANS! WHAT EXACTLY ALGERIANS THINK /CLAIM TO LOOSE FROM OPENING BORDERS? GAS? SURELY SOON THIS WILL RUN OUT! THIS IS EVIDENCE THAT MOROCCANS ARE WELL AHEAD AND HAVE LIBIRATED THEMSELVES FROM BACKWARD REASONING, IGNORANCE AND HARDFEELINGS, ENGAGED IN BUILDING THEIR COUNTRY, WHILE ALGERIANS ARE STILL A LONG WAY BEHIND- WISH YOU ALL G. LUCK
aghiles Posted 2008-06-19
To the Moroccan People: Before thinking about the Western Sahara, which is the property of the Sahrawi people, think about Melilla and Ceuta. Before getting into Algeria’s business, think about the millions of hectares planted with cocaine in the Rif valley while millions of Moroccans are starving as they kiss the hand of His Majesty, the Commander of the Faithful. On the other hand, in the midst of our revolution, you never helped us. And, in opposition to what you remember, when a boat carrying weapons arrived, you took half. Please, leave us alone. “No!” to the opening of the border: we do not need to feed you. You get enough foreign cash from your ladies working in cherry orchards in Spain. We are rich enough to lift ourselves up. We are a rich country. “No!” to the opening of the border. Just go ask the Gulf countries! Leave us in peace. Unlike us, you are fine with kissing the hand of Your Majesty as well as that of Lalla Selma.
aghiles Posted 2008-06-20
I wrote up a comment, but it was not published. Thank you for the freedom of opinion, my dear Moroccan newspaper. Once again, thank you.
صحراوي مغربي ولو كره الاخرون Posted 2008-07-20
Algeria is the country of criminality and violence. This is why tourists avoid it. It wants to take the Sahara under the pretext of creating an entity which will represent it in North Africa. You must solve your problems firstly then think of expanding your colonial empire. Please publish this. The End.
HAMID Posted 2008-08-11
I will tell you in complete sincerity that, beside the military junta in power in Algeria, everybody who is against opening the border belongs to the Polisario, because they are afraid of a rapprochement between the two people. The truth of the Sahara being Moroccan will burst out one day!
عماد Posted 2008-09-09
Praise be to God. God the Almighty says in His holy book “they devised plans and Allah too had arranged a plan; and Allah is the best of planners”. God says the truth. The Algerian brotherly people have a special status for us the people of Morocco. This status, love and respect isn’t the product of the recent period. It is very deep in history. However, there is no harm in reminding some bastards from the sons of these people that Morocco is greater and superior to the insults they address to it by them. It doesn’t care about the barking of dogs which have gone astray. I want to address a message to them, this message is shared by all the Moroccan people. The Sahara is Moroccan and will remain Moroccan in spite of the dogs and wolves. No one will remove this Moroccanism even if this should cost us our lives. We in Morocco, are for all the solutions which serve Moroccan Algerian relations, Morocco which is keen on that by calling for normalization of relations. But the other side, unfortunately, is still obstinate. This obstinacy won’t serve it in any way. It will just make it a target for the condemnation of the world community which is calling for the normalization of relations. Long live Morocco. Long live all the wise, sons of our Arab and Algerian people. Long live the Moroccan Sahara.
RENER JEAN - LOUIS -MULHOUSE-FRANCE Posted 2008-09-19
Indeed, I think that the king of Morocco’s and the Algerian president’s initiative is a good one. This is a good way to begin renewing Algerian-Moroccan relations. This is a good start.
mansour Posted 2008-10-18
I do not think that our country, Algeria, needs Morocco. During the “Black Decade”, Morocco took joy in the acts of terrorism going on over here, yet now Morocco wants to open the border. Algeria does not need hashish. It is better that everyone stay put and watch their own herd. A word to the wise!
gol Posted 30 days ago
As Mansour explained it to us, Algeria does not need Morocco now, because it was only during the “Black Decade” that Algerians wanted hashish.
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