Algerian Diplomacy Erupts Over French Minister Rachida Dati Visit to Moroccan Sahara
Algeria's tensions with Morocco intensified due to French Culture Minister Rachida Dati's visit to Western Sahara, which Morocco claims. Algeria condemned the visit as colonial solidarity, fearing it endorses Morocco's sovereignty. The visit marked a shift in French diplomacy, aggravating lingering conflicts over Western Sahara and colonial legacies in North Africa.
hassan benyoub 
Algeria's diplomatic tensions have escalated following the visit of French Culture Minister Rachida Dati to the disputed region of Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as its own. In a strongly worded statement, the Algerian government condemned the visit, describing it as a "disgusting solidarity between former and new colonial powers."
Algeria has been vocal in its criticism of Morocco, frequently issuing statements that reflect its obsession with its neighbor. Despite these declarations being translated into multiple languages and disseminated widely, they have garnered little attention from international media, aside from Algeria's own propaganda outlets.
⭕️ #أجواء الزيارة التاريخية لوزيرة الثقافة الفرنسية السيدة رشيدة داتي إلى مدينة العيون.. تعزيز للتعاون الثقافي المغربي-الفرنسي.@datirachida @mehdibensaid pic.twitter.com/GBq35VU5bL — جماعة العيون (@CommuneLaayoune) February 17, 2025
Dati's visit, which took place on February 17, 2025, is seen as a significant endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. During her trip, she inaugurated a French cultural center in Laayoune and emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation between France and Morocco. The visit was characterized as "historic," marking the first time a French minister has officially visited the southern provinces of Morocco.
The long-standing conflict over Western Sahara dates back to 1975 and involves Morocco's claim to the territory versus the aspirations of the Polisario Front for independence, backed by Algeria. Recent diplomatic shifts have seen France align more closely with Morocco, further aggravating Algeria's position.
French President Emmanuel Macron previously expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara during his visit to Rabat in October 2024. This move has been perceived by Algeria as a betrayal and has led to heightened tensions between the two countries.
As Algeria continues to react strongly to perceived threats from Morocco, this latest episode underscores the complexities of regional politics in North Africa and the enduring impact of colonial legacies on contemporary diplomatic relations.
