In his annual report to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres mentioned the deterioration of relations between Morocco and Algeria.
In this regard, the UN chief called on Algeria “to restore dialogue to restore its relations with Morocco, and to renew efforts for regional cooperation, in order to create an environment conducive to peace and security in the region and promote its development.”
By emphasizing the bilateral nature of the dispute over the Sahara between Morocco and Algeria, Guterres expressed regret that there had been no tangible improvement in relations between Rabat and Algiers, despite the two countries stating that they are not seeking any escalation.
It is worth noting that King Mohammed VI, in his speech on the 24th anniversary of his accession to the Throne, expressed his hope that things would return to normal with Algeria. Thus, the Sovereign’s outstretched hand remains relevant to ensure the unity and prosperity of the region.
By reiterating calls for the restoration and normalization of relations between Morocco and Algeria, the UN Secretary-General reaffirms, on the one hand, Morocco’s good faith in normalizing its relations with Algeria, and on the other hand, directly points to Algeria’s hostile and belligerent attitude towards its neighbor Morocco, flouting all the rules of good neighborliness.