Problems Between Algeria and Morocco: Roots of the Conflict and Its Impact on the Maghreb Region

The relationship between Algeria and Morocco is one of the most complex in the Arab world.
The two neighboring nations share history, culture, and religion — yet decades of political and border disputes have divided them.
These tensions continue to affect economic cooperation, regional unity, and North African stability.

🧭 Historical Roots of the Dispute

The conflict dates back to shortly after Algeria’s independence in 1962.
In 1963, the two countries fought the “Sand War”, a brief but significant border conflict.

Since then, despite short periods of calm, relations have remained tense — mainly due to the Western Sahara issue.
Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region.
This opposing stance led to a severe diplomatic breakdown, culminating in the official severing of relations in 2021.

⚙️ Political Problems

1. Lack of Diplomatic Dialogue:
   Since the breakup, land borders remain closed, halting cooperation on trade and security.

2. Hostile Political Rhetoric:
   State media in both countries often fuel rivalry rather than promoting mutual understanding.

3. Absence of Effective Mediation:
   Attempts by Arab and African states to mediate have yet to produce tangible results.

💰 Economic Challenges

1. Closed Borders:
   The border closure since 1994 has harmed both economies by blocking trade, tourism, and family ties.

2. Lost Investment Opportunities:
   Algeria has vast energy resources, and Morocco offers a dynamic tourism and logistics sector — yet their lack of cooperation prevents the emergence of a strong Maghreb market.

3. Impact on the Arab Maghreb Union:
   The Maghreb Union, founded in 1989, has been practically inactive due to these persistent tensions.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social and Human Aspects

Despite political divisions, the peoples of Algeria and Morocco remain close.
Many families share roots on both sides of the border, and cultural exchanges continue through music, art, and social media.
The conflict, therefore, is political rather than popular.

🌍 Regional Consequences

1. Weakened Maghreb unity in global diplomacy.

2. Delayed infrastructure and energy integration projects.

3. A strategic vacuum in North Africa that attracts external interference.