Highlights:
– Moroccan King Mohammed VI seeks to normalize ties with Algeria
– Rabat government believes an open border with Algeria may improve Western Sahara conflict
– Morocco is likely to pursue peace talks with Algeria in the near to mid-term, as the Western Sahara conflict remains a primary obstacle on their road to improving ties
On July 30, 2008, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI called on Algeria to re-open its border with Morocco, which was closed after Rabat accused Algerian security forces of their involvement in a Marrakesh hotel shooting in 1994. With experts estimating losses reaching $1 billion per year, Morocco missed critical tourism and trade opportunities resulting from the border closure. More importantly, the border closure is seen as a political hindrance to the advancement of the Western Sahara’s Polisario independence movement.
Although King Mohammed has made a number of requests to re-open Algeria’s border in past years, last week’s call was the first time this year the King appealed directly to Algiers.
Talks are expected to move more promisingly than in previous years, as the border closure has impacted a number of important sectors for the North African Kingdom.
Reaching Out for Change
In a speech marking King Mohammed’s ninth anniversary of ascending the throne, he stated his sincere efforts to “take initiatives” and “listen to all efforts of good will so as to restore normal relations between Morocco and Algeria.” However, King Mohammed remained stern in his declaration that maintaining a closed border is “a collective sanction” on both Morocco and Algeria and an encumbrance to their successful integration.
In addition, the King believes that their different points of view on the longtime Polisario conflict should not justify the continuing border closure. A former Spanish colony Morocco annexed in 1973, the Western Sahara is home to the indigenous Polisario peoples, whom have been fighting for independence with Morocco for the territory on the west African cost.
Need to Make Amends
After the fourth round of talks between Morocco and Western Sahara in March 2008 proved to be unsuccessful, Morocco has re-shifted its focus back to Algerian-Moroccan relations. Algeria has backed the Polisario, which has contributed to deteriorating relations between neighboring Morocco and Algeria.
However, Rabat strongly believes that if the two countries improve their diplomatic, political, and economic ties—such as opening the border between them—there would be a better chance for peace between Morocco and the Polisario. Algerian leaders repeatedly state the opposite to be true, reasoning the border should remain shut until the two governments agree on a “package of deals,” which includes a solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
Going Forward
As Morocco continues to calculate its losses from the longtime border closure, the Kingdom will continue to seek ways to re-open the border.
However, Algeria has not drastically changed its requirements for negotiation on the matter in recent years, and is expected to stand firm on its support for independence of the Polisario.
