BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant turn of events, the Moroccan regime finds itself at a crossroads of confusion and anticipation as Algeria and the United States of America forge a closer partnership on various fronts. The recent diplomatic engagements between Algerian officials and the US administration have sent shockwaves through Rabat, which had hoped for strained relations between Algiers and Washington.
Moroccan officials had anticipated that the Algerian-American relationship would be strained, especially after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s diplomatic move towards Eastern powers earlier this summer. However, these expectations were met with disappointment as Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, embarked on a visit to Washington, representing President Tebboune. During his visit, Attaf held discussions with his American counterpart, Anthony Blinken, emphasizing a joint commitment to regional and international security and stability.
This diplomatic exchange was marked by meetings with high-ranking officials in the US State Department, the National Security Council, and various American economic stakeholders. Additionally, Attaf engaged with representatives of the Algerian community residing in the United States, shedding light on the visit’s comprehensive agenda, which coincided with a volatile situation in the Sahel region following the coup that toppled Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum.
Before Attaf’s visit, a remarkable alignment of Algerian and American positions regarding events in Niger underlined the strengthening ties between Algiers and Washington. This cohesion further solidified the message that Algeria is becoming a key partner for the United States in addressing regional challenges.
The Moroccan regime, in response, amplified its media efforts both domestically and internationally, attempting to stoke a sense of resentment within the Western system against Algeria’s diplomatic overtures to Russia and China. Allegations that Algeria’s pursuit of joining the “BRICS” organization was tantamount to hostility towards the United States and its allies were quickly rebuffed by the American administration. The White House spokesperson, Karen Jean-Pierre, reiterated the US stance that partner countries have the freedom to engage with multiple nations, dispelling the notion of exclusivity in international alliances.
Algeria’s rising prominence as a reliable partner in North Africa and the Sahel region is evident through the Secretary of State’s visit during the Sahel crisis. This move reflects Washington’s confidence in Algeria’s role as a regional stabilizer, in contrast to the functional nature of the Moroccan regime, which has not actively participated in addressing the Sahel crisis despite portraying itself as a Western ally in the region.
On the subject of Western Sahara’s decolonization, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken affirmed the US commitment to support the United Nations political process. This declaration came amidst a round of a strategic dialogue between Algeria and the United States in Washington, further cementing their bilateral cooperation. Blinken acknowledged their discussions, stating, “We also affirmed our full support for the political process of the United Nations regarding the Western Sahara issue.”
As these diplomatic dynamics continue to evolve, it is evident that Algeria’s proactive foreign policy approach is paying dividends in terms of international recognition and partnerships. The Moroccan regime’s attempts to position itself as a sole ally of the United States have been countered by Washington’s inclusive diplomatic approach. Ultimately, the rapprochement between Algeria and the US signifies a seismic shift in North African geopolitics, one that leaves the Moroccan regime at a critical juncture of decision-making and adaptation in a rapidly changing regional landscape.
