Morocco and Algeria have been at odds for decades, primarily over the disputed Western Sahara region. However, their rivalry now extends far beyond the territory, evolving into a broader competition for regional influence and international partnerships.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez traveled to Algeria on July 20, 2026, for talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb. The meeting aimed to resolve a diplomatic row that erupted in 2022 after Spain sided with Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, much to Algeria's dismay.
It is debatable whether Spain's rapprochement with Algeria so angered Morocco that it deliberately allowed tens of thousands of migrants to storm the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Spanish daily El Pais has entertained the possibility of Moroccan meddling, noting that "Ceuta tensions coincided with Pedro Sanchez's trip to Algeria, a regional rival of the [Moroccan] Alawite Kingdom."
Moroccan interior ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi rejected such accusations, attributing the incident to "malicious exploitation of the digital space" and "misleading information." Experts interviewed by DW also dismiss the idea that Morocco intentionally instigated the border breach.
The recent Ceuta incident and subsequent accusations highlight the deep-seated rivalry between Algeria and Morocco. At its heart lies the Western Sahara conflict, which began when Spain withdrew from the territory in 1975. Morocco considers the region integral to its national territory, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
According to the Research Unit on International Security and Cooperation (UNISCI), the Western Sahara conflict has become a symbol of deeper rivalry for influence in the Maghreb. These tensions have hindered North Africa's economic integration for decades, paralyzing institutions like the Arab Maghreb Union.
The rivalry took on added significance in 2020 when Morocco normalized relations with Israel. Analysts at the International Crisis Group (ICG) describe the relationship as a classic security dilemma, where both states view their actions as defensive but perceive the other's as threatening. This fuels an arms buildup and deepening mistrust, making the conflict dangerous even without an interest in open war.
The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) notes that the strained relationship has evolved into a broader competition for international partners and political influence, including ties with the European Union. Morocco positions itself as a key partner in migration, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation, while Algeria emphasizes its role as an energy supplier and security influence in the Maghreb and Sahel region.
Source: www.dw.com