In the wake of a devastating earthquake that rattled multiple regions in Morocco, tensions between Algeria and Morocco find themselves in the spotlight once again. Algeria’s offer to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Morocco’s quake victims was turned down, further highlighting the complexities of their diplomatic relations.
The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Algerian authorities that, following an assessment, they do not require the assistance that Algeria had proposed. This communication came in response to an earlier statement by the Moroccan Minister of Justice, which indicated Morocco’s acceptance of Algeria’s proposed humanitarian aid, on the condition that its delivery be coordinated with the Moroccan Foreign Ministry.
Acting on this declaration, the Algerian Foreign Ministry informed its Moroccan counterpart about the preparations undertaken by the Algerian government. They mobilized three large-capacity aircraft to transport aid consistent with the requirements of such natural disasters.
However, the Director-General of the Moroccan Foreign Affairs Ministry later conveyed to the Algerian Consul that after a detailed assessment, Morocco does not require the humanitarian aid proposed by Algeria.
This refusal comes on the heels of Algeria’s confirmation last Sunday that should Morocco accept, Algeria stands ready to send an 80-member specialized rescue team from its civil protection unit promptly.
This is the second time that Algeria has offered assistance and relief materials since the catastrophic earthquake hit Morocco late last Friday.
The Algerian Presidency announced in a statement on Saturday about its “complete readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Morocco, offering all possible material and human resources in the aftermath of the violent earthquake, provided the Kingdom of Morocco requests it,” as reported by the Algerian News Agency.
The history of strained ties between the two North African neighbors plays a crucial backdrop to this event. Algeria severed its diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021 and closed its airspace to all Moroccan-registered aircraft.
