The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today the recall of its ambassador to Chad, Jamal Eddine Omar Ben Naoum, in a surprising diplomatic move coming just two months after his appointment. This step comes as a reaction to Chad’s decision to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla in southern Morocco.
Diplomatic sources explained that Algeria’s decision comes as a protest against what it considers Chadian support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara territory, a stance strongly opposed by Algeria.
N’Djamena had earlier announced its intention to open a consulate in Dakhla, located in the southern part of Western Sahara, in a move that Rabat considered as support for its position on sovereignty over the disputed territory.
This development further intensifies diplomatic tensions in the region, as Algeria continues its support for the Polisario Front, which demands independence for Western Sahara, while Morocco asserts its sovereignty over the territory.
The decision is expected to affect bilateral relations between Algeria and Chad, and may lead to further complications in the regional file of Western Sahara.
So far, no official comment has been issued by either the Chadian or Moroccan side on Algeria’s decision to recall its ambassador. Observers are awaiting international and regional reactions to this new diplomatic development in the area.