I read with great interest the remarks made by the Algerian politician Louiza Hanoune, stating her refusal to involve her country in a war with Morocco. This is not a statement to be taken lightly, as Louiza Hanoune is a prominent figure in Algerian politics, with extensive experience and pivotal moments in steering her country’s path, often at great cost. Her weight is not measured by the party she leads, but rather as a conscience for the country, a reference point, and a compass.
As a Moroccan, I do not find myself in animosity with Algeria, but rather in hostility. Everything unites Morocco and Algeria except politics, which is intertwined with systems, references, contexts, and perhaps individuals. Politics is not static but ever-evolving, overshadowing what is fixed and establishing new precedents that might disrupt everything.
Despite the frostiness between the two countries, the spark of hope has not extinguished. Hanoune’s call, along with similar voices, faintly heard here in my country, indicates that there is still room for reason and wisdom, with discerning minds and subtle voices prevailing. However, we recognize that rationality often gives way to chaos, and shouts echo louder than reason when emotions are heightened.
The current generation in both countries knows little of each other beyond official narratives that paint either a necessary enemy or a close foe. The current generation in both countries remains disconnected, with closed borders, never having experienced the liberation era or the subsequent aspirations for the Greater Morocco unity.
Media influencers perpetuate shared cultural elements like couscous, caftans, zellij, and malhoun music, showcasing the intertwined nature of the two nations. The ongoing war of words fueled by influencers, based on misconceptions, ignorance, and biases, risks escalating tensions further. Political leaders must be mindful of the consequences of their actions, understanding the deep-rooted complexities between the two nations.
The war that Morocco and Algeria should wage is against poverty and ignorance. It should be fought together, with unity being the only victory in this “war.” Politics is rooted in reality, often described as the art of the possible. However, in a certain context, political maneuvering can lead to stagnation and perpetuation of the status quo. The paradigm sometimes needs to be shifted by dreaming, imagination, and scientific expression to address the predicament at hand.
There seems to be no resolution on the horizon between the two countries under the current model of regulating their relations. The issues have become the cause, intertwined with the results, resembling someone prescribing medication based on a misdiagnosis. Imagine someone taking headache pills while suffering from a stomach ulcer; the ailment worsens with each pill taken.
I fear the worst and tend to think pessimistically, hoping that collective optimism leads us to productive actions. Following the Gulf War in 1991, the Maghreb Summit in Casablanca marked the end of the Arab Maghreb Union, a dream shattered, and Libya faced international isolation. Algeria entered a turbulent phase, and the vision of a unified Maghreb remained unfulfilled.
Who knows what the future holds? History may repeat itself after the Gaza conflict, potentially destabilizing the region further. I echo Louiza Hanoune’s sentiments, not because of my stature or courage, but because I do not want my country embroiled in a gamble with Algeria. I look forward to wise individuals on both sides extinguishing the flames of discord and fostering mutual understanding. There is a historic opportunity for the rational minds in both countries to listen to each other and not squander it with shortsightedness.
If Hanoune says it, believe her, for her words are significant. Let us leave politics to politicians, who operate within the realm of possibilities, and allow those untouched by political bias to engage freely in dialogue, perhaps diagnosing the ailment and finding a remedy, or at least halting the consumption of incorrect remedies.
In September 1991, during the Maghreb Summit in Casablanca (likely the last one), and in the aftermath of the “Sahara Storm,” I was stationed abroad by the Moroccan Foreign Ministry, where a journalist from the Moroccan newspaper “Le Monde” named Naim Kamal requested to meet with me at the Sheraton Hotel. Our conversation in French revolved around the challenges facing our region, followed by his apprehension about potential future developments – a bleak outlook that sadly turned into reality, marking the decline of the Maghreb dream, the diplomatic isolation of Libya, and significant turmoil in Algeria, leading to the postponement of subsequent Maghreb summits.
Only time will tell what lies ahead, but through candid dialogue and mutual understanding, perhaps the rift between Morocco and Algeria can be bridged, ushering in a new era of cooperation and shared prosperity.
