فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
March 6, 2025 – Algeria summoned the French ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, on Thursday to express its dissatisfaction with the Franco-Moroccan military exercise named “CHERGUI 2025,” scheduled to take place in Errachidia, a city located in eastern Morocco near the Algerian-Moroccan border, which has been closed for decades. According to Lounès Magramane, Secretary-General of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this exercise constitutes a “provocative act” toward Algeria, likely to exacerbate the already tense relations between Algiers and Paris.
The choice of the name “CHERGUI” – an easterly wind in the Maghreb region – and the location of the exercise in Errachidia, close to Algerian territory, appear to have heightened Algiers’ concerns. The Algerian ministry warned that this initiative risks escalating “the climate of tensions between the two countries to a higher level of severity,” in a context where Algerian-French relations have been strained by several recent disputes.
A Tense Diplomatic Context
This summons comes amid growing tensions between France and Algeria, particularly since July 2024, when Paris recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision perceived as a betrayal by Algiers, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front. Additionally, disputes over the management of migration flows, France’s expulsion of Algerian influencers, and Algeria’s refusal to repatriate some of its nationals in irregular situations have further strained relations.
Moreover, the deteriorating relations between Algeria and Morocco since the severance of diplomatic ties in 2021 make any Franco-Moroccan cooperation sensitive in the eyes of Algiers. The geographical proximity of Errachidia to the Algerian border could be interpreted as a strategic signal, although there is no indication that the “CHERGUI 2025” exercise is directly targeting Algeria.
Reactions and Implications
Algeria’s reaction underscores a perception of French interference or bias in favor of Morocco, reigniting historical rivalries in the Maghreb. While France has not yet officially responded, this new escalation could further complicate Paris’ efforts to maintain a balance in its relations with both North African neighbors.
In summary, the “CHERGUI 2025” exercise appears to be a catalyst for pre-existing tensions, highlighting the difficulty for France to navigate between its interests with Morocco and its complex history with Algeria. The evolution of this crisis will depend on the clarifications provided by Paris and Algeria’s willingness to either escalate or de-escalate diplomatically.
