Aug. 24 (UPI) — The government of Algeria announced on Tuesday that it will formally sever diplomatic ties with Morocco, an escalation of tensions between the two African nations.
Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Lamamra accused Morocco of meddling in its affairs and intentionally creating ill will.
“It has been proven that the [Moroccan] kingdom has not ceased its unfriendly, low and hostile maneuvers against Algeria for a day since independence,” Lamamra said at a news conference, according to Middle East Eye.
“[Moroccan leaders bear] responsibility for the successive crises that have drawn us into a tunnel without an exit.”
Algeria’s High Security Council last week accused Morocco of actions that forced a “review” of its relationship with Morocco and strengthened security controls at the western border.
The African nations have been at odds over the western Sahara. Morocco says it has full sovereignty over the region while Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which calls for self-determination under the protection of the United Nations.
Ramtane blamed Morocco for financing “terrorist organizations” to attack Algeria and suggested that Morocco may have sparked wildfires in Algeria’s Kabylia region this month.