Reasons behind Morocco’s hostility on Algeria

Rabat’s hostile attitude towards Algiers because the Western Sahara issue gained international support and Algerian security measures on borders had an impact on living conditions in Morocco, according to observers.

Earlier in October, Morocco’s king Mohamed IV delivered a speech to Parliament about the crisis in his country due to fuel high prices.
“The minister is not responsible for water, electricity and public transport. Elected people are in charge of those public services and they have to launch development projects in their areas to create jobs,” said Mohamed IV.
The Moroccan king’s remarks clearly show that he does not want to bear any responsibility fearing of possible protests due to the domestic economic crisis. He holds Moroccans responsible for electing unqualified people.
The Western Sahara issue has always been mentioned in Mohamed IV’s speeches to justify his failure to manage the kingdom’s affairs.
Although he involved Algeria in domestic problems in his country, he admitted that optimism is not sufficient anymore.  “The Western Sahara issue faced big challenges in the last few years. We were able to cope with them thanks to our position strength and our cause fairness. Yet, we must not be limited by our victory in this battle and exaggerate our optimism.”
“The situation is difficult and the manoeuvers of our territory integrity opponents will not stop. That may put our cause in front of decisive developments,” he added.
He incited “everyone, once again, to mobilize themselves and be always vigilant.”
“Instead of waiting for the opponents’ attack, we have to oblige them to defend themselves.”
Observers believe that Morocco wants to reach an agreement with Algerian authorities to recover some temporary jobs for people living on borders who used to rely on smuggling incomes.