Algerian Islamist Candidate Puts Forth Hostile Remarks Against Morocco in Campaign Speech

Doha – Algerian political leaders have once again publicly shown their hostility towards Morocco.

This latest display of antagonism comes in the context of Algeria’s upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for September 7, where candidates appear to be leveraging anti-Moroccan sentiment as part of their campaign strategies.

In a fiery campaign speech on Saturday, Abdelaâli Hassani Cherif, the presidential candidate for Algeria’s Islamist Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), a contending party in the election, addressed Algerian-Moroccan relations. Hassani Cherif spoke at a popular meeting that was held in Tlemcen, a city near the Moroccan border.

He emphasized that “our problem is with the treacherous Makhzen regime that has historically conspired against us,” while somehow also adding that “the Moroccan and Algerian peoples are brothers.”

In this context, the candidate stressed that the alliance between Morocco and the Zionist entity “constitutes a threat to national security” due to the “presence of the Zionist entity on the country’s western borders.”

Critics argue that such rhetoric is part of a continuous campaign by Algerian political figures to defend the military-dominated system that has long held sway in the country. This approach appears to be a recurring theme in Algerian politics, particularly during election seasons.

Hassani Cherif’s comments come amidst heightened tensions between Algeria and Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara territory. Algeria backs the Polisario Front seeking to divide Morocco’s southern provinces.

The two countries have seen diplomatic relations deteriorate sharply in recent years, culminating in Algeria’s unilateral decision to cut ties with Morocco completely in August 2021.

The location and timing of Hassani Cherif’s rally in Tlemcen, historically a major center of trade between Morocco and Algeria, was viewed by many as a clear jab against Moroccan influence over the Algerian economy and politics.

With less than three weeks until Algerians head to the polls, the Islamist candidate appears to be stoking nationalist sentiment and suspicion of Moroccan intentions.

The MSP, formerly known as MSI, has long served as a moderate Islamist opposition voice in Algerian politics, advocating for policies inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood while generally avoiding direct clashes with the government.

However, Hassani Cherif’s escalated rhetoric in Tlemcen suggests the party may take a more confrontational stance toward the ruling establishment and regional rivals like Morocco.

Morocco, for its part, has consistently advocated for improved relations and regional cooperation, emphasizing the shared cultural and historical ties between the two nations.