Morocco's King Mohammed VI has expressed hope for a return to normality and reopening of borders with North African neighbor Algeria, which cut diplomatic ties nearly two years ago. The borders have been closed since 1994, leaving families divided after Morocco accused its neighbor of involvement in a jihadist attack on a Marrakesh hotel that killed two tourists. Algeria severed ties in August 2021, accusing Rabat of "hostile acts," a move which Morocco said was "completely unjustified." Israel's recognition earlier this month of "Morocco's sovereignty" over Western Sahara added to tensions between Morocco and Algeria, which called Israel's move a "flagrant violation of international law." In his nationally broadcast speech Saturday, Mohammed VI expressed reassurance to "our brothers in Algeria, their leadership and their people that they will never have to fear malice from Morocco."

Source: The North Africa Journal July 30, 2023 11:49 UTC