Algeria, Morocco: Heightened tensions prompt officials to sever diplomatic relations between countries Aug. 24

Event

Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco Aug. 24, citing alleged "hostile actions" carried out by the kingdom. Consulates will reportedly remain open in each country. The move comes after the Algerian government issued a statement Aug. 18 asserting that it would ramp up security along the country's western border with Morocco; the countries' shared border has been closed since 1994.

Heightened tensions will likely continue between Algeria and Morocco at least over the medium term; further escalation is possible.

Context

Disagreement over the status of Western Sahara, mutual accusations of supporting militant groups, and border disputes have frayed relations between Algeria and Morocco for decades. The Aug. 24 severance of diplomatic relations notably comes after Algeria accused purported terrorist groups, including one allegedly backed by Morocco, of starting recent wildfires in Kabylie Region which killed at least 90 people.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra has also accused his Moroccan counterpart sending an aggressive message after Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid recently expressed concerns over Algeria's links with Iran and perceived support for Hamas in Rabat. Lamamra has further claimed that Morocco has used Israeli-developed Pegasus software to spy on Algerian politicians and citizens.