The Algerian government on Tuesday ended diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing the neighboring country of hostile actions, reported Reuters.
“Algeria has decided to cut diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Morocco from today,” Algerian Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra said at a news conference on Tuesday.“The Moroccan Kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria.
Lamamra said the cessation of diplomatic ties is effective from Tuesday but consulates in each country will continue to remain open.
Algeria and Morocco have had severe relations for decades, mainly over the issue of Western Sahara. Morocco regards the disputed former Spanish territory as an integral part of its kingdom, while Algeria supports the Polisario independence movement which seeks independence there.
The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994. Morocco wants the reopen the border, but Algeria wants it to stay closed for security reasons.
Last week, the Algerian government said lethal wildfires in the country, which broke out earlier this month, were the work of two terrorist groups, including the MAK group, which seeks independence for the Kabylie region and is backed by Morocco.
The forest fires in Algeria burned tens of thousands of hectares of forest land and resulted in the death of at least 90 people, including more than 30 soldiers.
Algeria also recalled its ambassador from Morocco after a Moroccan diplomat in New York called for the Kabylie people to have the right of self-determination.
The Kingdom of Morocco has criticized the Algerian government’s decision to sever diplomatic relations. It labeled it a “completely unjustified but expected” unilateral decision and said it would remain a “credible and loyal partner” to the Algerian people.
In July, King Mohamed VI had complained about the tensions with Algeria and also invited Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for talks while justifying his latest political positions.
