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None of the Algerian media outlets have reported on Morocco’s aid offers despite the devastating situation in Algeria. This is despite the geographical proximity of the two countries, and Morocco’s willingness to mobilize aid immediately.
Many regions in Algeria continue to battle a devastating blaze that has claimed at least 70 lives so far. Recent reports indicate the fire was artificially started out of “criminal origin”, and nearly two dozen suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
Algerians across the country continue to criticize the government’s lack of support in combating the nearly 100 active fires throughout the country. In an interview with local media, one Algerian volunteer claimed he had not seen “a single police or gendarme,” and most of the fires were being extinguished purely by volunteers.
Meanwhile, the Algerian government appears to have rebuffed Moroccan attempts to send firefighting aircraft to the country to help contain the fires. Instead, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has decided to call on aid from Europe during a national television appearance, while failing to address or answer Morocco’s aid offers. However, many countries in Europe are currently dedicating their resources to fighting ongoing fires in Greece and Turkey.
On Thursday, France agreed to send two Canadair firefighting aircraft to Algeria to provide assistance. Ironically, this is precisely the aid Morocco offered to the country two days prior, which the Algerian government ignored.
The Moroccan Foreign Affairs Ministry released a communique on Wednesday alerting Algeria of Morocco’s willingness to assist in the wake of increasing wildfires.
According to the ministry, two Canadair CL-415 aircraft are scheduled for deployment to support the rescue operation once Algeria accepts Morocco’s aid offer. King Mohammed VI also conveyed his condolences to the Algerian president on Thursday, expressing Morocco’s solidarity and support to Algeria and its people.
As a result of diplomatic conflict, the Algerian people continue to suffer throughout the countryside, with reports of volunteers attempting to battle the raging blazes barehanded.
