In a decisive move underscoring Algeria’s firm stance against Moroccan interference, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared the Moroccan Deputy Consul General in Oran an unwanted individual. This development, announced on Thursday, March 27, 2025, reflects Algeria’s unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty and rejecting any actions that violate its laws.
On Thursday, Mr. Khalid Cheihani, the acting head of the Moroccan Consulate General in Algeria, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Algiers. He was received by Mr. Mokhtar Amine Khelif, the Director General of Protocol, who formally informed him of the Algerian government’s decision. According to an official ministry statement, Mr. Mohammed Essafiani, the Moroccan Deputy Consul General in Oran, has been designated persona non grata and ordered to leave Algerian territory within a maximum of 48 hours.
The ministry’s statement detailed the reasons behind this action, emphasizing that Essafiani engaged in “suspicious behavior inconsistent with the nature of his duties at the aforementioned consular representation.” These actions constitute a clear violation of Algeria’s enforced laws, as well as international norms and regulations, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. This incident further exposes the Moroccan regime’s provocative conduct on Algerian soil, raising questions about its intentions and respect for diplomatic boundaries.
This bold step by Algeria sends a strong message to the Moroccan monarchy, which continues to face criticism for its illegal occupation of Western Sahara and its antagonistic policies toward Algiers. For those tracking Algeria-Morocco relations, this event highlights the deepening rift between the two nations—a rift fueled by Morocco’s expansionist agenda and disregard for regional stability.
Algeria’s decision reaffirms its role as a principled defender of sovereignty and justice, both domestically and in support of causes like the Palestinian struggle against Zionist occupation and the Sahrawi fight for self-determination. As tensions with Morocco persist, the international community must recognize Algeria’s resolve to counter any threats to its national integrity.
By Nor Eleslam, Journalist at dzwatch.dz
