New tensions have erupted at the Moroccan-Algerian border after warning shots fired by the Algerian army near farmers in Figuig . The residents denounce intimidation tactics and an attempt to unilaterally redefine the border line.
The French justice system launched on Tuesday a call for witnesses concerning Jacques Leveugle, 79 years old, indicted for rapes on 89 minors . The man, incarcerated, has acknowledged having committed assaults during his stays in Morocco and several other countries.
Algerian soldiers opened fire on Monday near the Moroccan border, close to Ksar Ich, causing panic among the residents . This incident, described as a provocation by civil society, has led to the preventive deployment of the Royal Armed Forces.
A Moroccan association has addressed an open letter to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune , requesting a pardon for hundreds of young detainees. As Ramadan approaches, families hope for a humanitarian gesture to end their judicial ordeal.
The United States has extended until this Monday the confidential talks held in Madrid between Morocco, Algeria , Mauritania and the Polisario Front. Washington is increasing the pressure to obtain a framework agreement on the Sahara within three months.
In the Oriental region, the sharp rise in the prices of Algerian Deglet Nour dates has sparked heated controversy. Faced with this inflation, voices are calling for a boycott in favor of Morocco’s national production.
The Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD) has summoned the government to act following the recent movements of the Algerian army in the border area of Ksar Ich . Deputy Fatima Tamni is demanding emergency measures to protect the historical rights of local farmers and a diplomatic management of the file.
Morocco is consolidating its strategic position in the African skies. According to the latest ranking of a specialized platform, the Kingdom has the fourth largest military fleet on the continent , with a strategy focused on technological modernization and the integration of cutting-edge platforms rather than just numerical accumulation.
The recent movements of the Algerian army in the locality of Ich (province of Figuig) revive border tensions. For the expert in international relations Ahmed Noureddine, these maneuvers are not simple technical adjustments related to the 1972 convention, but a calculated provocation aimed at dragging Morocco into an open conflict. A massive "disinformation operation"
The Washington-Rabat axis is consolidating under the Trump administration. Five years after the Abraham Accords, Morocco is emerging as the United States’ largest military customer in Africa, with over $8.5 billion in active contracts. This dynamic is coupled with diplomatic support, as King Mohammed VI has joined the American initiative of the « Peace Council ».
The resurgence on social media of a statement by former MP Omar Balafrej, describing Morocco as a “poor country” compared with its Maghreb neighbors, has reopened the debate over national wealth. Although the video dates back to 2018, current IMF and HCP data confirm the persistence of a GDP gap with Algeria and Tunisia, as well as a notable worsening of internal inequalities.
Recently released satellite photos show the appearance of ground markers in the Ich border area, which falls within Morocco’s Figuig province. According to specialized sources, these markers may have been installed by the Algerian army inside Moroccan territory , reigniting residents’ fears five years after farmers were expelled from the Arja area.