Algeria: the political commodification of anti-Morocco sentiment

Within Algerian power circles, a fierce competition has emerged, characterized by increasingly vitriolic attacks and a relentless pursuit of the most demeaning rhetoric. This intense focus appears to stem from a singular obsession: Morocco. Even critical Algerian voices acknowledge that this publicly embraced and sustained posture of animosity, championed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration, is a relatively recent development.

During the lengthy presidency of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, tensions with Morocco certainly existed, yet they never escalated to such an extreme level of animosity. Bouteflika’s leadership was adept at containing excesses and often managed to smooth over diplomatic rough edges. While Bouteflika may have harbored silent resentments, Tebboune’s administration openly expresses its disdain.

Conversely, some observers contend that this hostility towards Morocco has always been present, but its current eruptive visibility is greatly amplified by social media. However, this magnifying effect overlooks a crucial point: the Tebboune government launched AL24 News, a television channel whose editorial direction seems primarily dedicated to praising President Tebboune while simultaneously unleashing torrents of hatred against Morocco.

Viewers following its programming, whether live or via social media, cannot help but notice the level of morbid glee displayed by some of its propagandist ‘journalists’ when discussing Morocco. Each strives to formulate the most devastating phrase, the most impactful ‘punchline’ to tarnish the Kingdom’s image, without restraint, without oversight, and with excessive zeal. The factual basis of these attacks seems irrelevant; the primary goal is for the insult to achieve its intended effect.

Official Algerian media’s communication regarding Morocco has reached ridiculous heights, to the extent that they deliberately avoid pronouncing the Kingdom’s name in certain sports summaries. This is ostensibly done to prevent ‘glorifying the country.’ This peculiar behavior was evident during the Qatar World Cup when the Moroccan national team reached the semi-finals – a feat celebrated globally, except by Algerian television. Today, a similar grim scenario unfolds with the 2026 World Cup, where Morocco’s name and achievements have become unmentionable.

“One commentator recently descended into an acute delusion, asserting that Lionel Messi, who scored three goals against the Algerian national team, was manipulated by ‘the Jewish lobby‘ and that this entity would do everything to make Algeria ‘pay for its support of Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause.’

If shame could induce deafness, Algerian leaders would scarcely hear themselves breathe. How can such profound baseness and blind hatred lead to prohibiting a country’s name from being uttered on national airwaves, simply to avoid acknowledging its significant sporting achievements?

These media outlets have stooped so low that they permit pseudo-sports commentators to utter serious antisemitic accusations. For instance, one recently succumbed to an intense delusion, claiming that Lionel Messi, who scored three goals against the Algerian national team, was being manipulated by ‘the Jewish lobby,’ which was supposedly seeking retribution against Algeria for its ‘support of Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause.’

These outrageous excerpts, translated into French and English, have circulated widely, highlighting a particularly troubling phenomenon with potential international ramifications. The Algerian regime appears not only as a purveyor of animosity towards its neighbors but also as a promoter of state-sanctioned antisemitism, given that public television channels relay and disseminate such extremist views. In the current global climate, this can be perceived as exceptionally serious on the international stage.

Regrettably, an undeniable reality presents itself. The Algerian regime seems to have dedicated a substantial portion of its power and resources to fostering a narrative built on hatred, tension, division, and rupture. This has become its guiding principle and, to a certain extent, its mode of governance. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that its relationships with its Arab, Mediterranean, and African neighbors are now marked by this philosophy of confrontation. Since Abdelmadjid Tebboune assumed power, this orientation appears to have become explicitly entrenched.

Evidently, Tebboune has unleashed a torrent of hate speech in Algeria. He seems to have played a role in shaping a new, neurotic identity founded on the logic: ‘Tell me who you hate, and I’ll tell you who you are.’ This evolution is also reflected in the emergence on social media of numerous influencers, reportedly close to the regime, who disseminate this discourse with barely concealed relish.

Anti-Morocco sentiment has transformed into a lucrative political commodity in Algeria. It’s a trade so profitable that to ascend the ranks of power or secure positions of responsibility, one apparently needs to demonstrate neither expertise nor skill, but merely an unyielding hatred for Morocco. This seems to be the new prerequisite for rapid advancement within the corridors of power, and examples, as observed, are abundant.