Algeria has announced the immediate reestablishment of visa requirements for Moroccan nationals, citing accusations of espionage and destabilizing actions by its North African neighbor. The decision comes after the arrest of individuals in Tlemcen, Algeria, accused of being part of a spy network aimed at undermining Algerian security.
Algeria’s foreign ministry highlighted the large-scale organized crime networks, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, among other activities, as reasons for the new visa requirements. The move marks the end of nearly two decades of free movement between the two countries, despite closed borders since 1994.
The deteriorating relations between the two countries, dating back to the 1960s, intensified after the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel in 2020. Recent tensions have also involved allegations of Moroccan involvement in spying activities using Israeli software.
‘A logical continuation’
Journalist Ali Boukhlef sees this decision as a logical consequence of the long-standing tensions between the two nations. With Morocco now requiring visas for Algerians in response, the relationship between the two countries has reached a new low.
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Decades of tensions
The historical disputes, including the Western Sahara conflict, have been a major factor in the strained relations between Algeria and Morocco. The recent developments, such as the use of the Pegasus spyware, have further fueled the hostility between the two neighboring countries.
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The geopolitical implications of this rift between Algeria and Morocco are significant, impacting not only diplomatic ties but also economic relations and the movement of people. The decision has sparked reactions in both countries, reflecting the deep-rooted animosity between the two nations.