Tensions in North Africa are on the rise, as Morocco and Algeria engage in a multifaceted standoff that spans from cultural heritage disputes to military modernization and geopolitical positioning. The intricate fabric of shared history and competitive nationalism is fraying as both nations contest their legacies, with each side claiming exclusive rights to symbols of their intertwined pasts.
In the labyrinthine alleys of Algiers, there was a time when Moroccan craftsmen were respected artisans, passing on their skills and creating a shared heritage across borders. But today, this fraternal cultural exchange has soured into a fierce rivalry. The latest bone of contention erupted over the traditional Moroccan garment known as the Caftan Ntaâ El Fassi, with Morocco filing a complaint against Algeria for attempting to list it as part of its intangible cultural heritage with UNESCO.
The cultural heritage war, far from being a mere academic dispute, has significant implications for national identity, tourism, and international relations.The backdrop to this cultural spat is a “cold war” that has been simmering since the early 20th century, rooted in colonial legacies and rival nationalist narratives.
The French left an indelible mark on the region, annexing Algeria as a province while Morocco remained a protectorate, preserving a semblance of sovereignty. The ill-defined border between the two nations further complicates matters, with places like Bechar and Tindouf as historical flashpoints of contention. The 1963 Sand War saw these tensions turn to conflict, and despite the brevity of the war, the bitter aftertaste has lingered in diplomatic relations, exacerbated by the lingering issue of Western Sahara.
Morocco, firmly entrenched as a US partner, has prioritized bolstering its military capabilities in the shadow of its rivalry with Algeria. Vision 2030, a sweeping military modernization program, sees Morocco investing heavily in US defense technology, such as F-16 fighters and MQ-9B Guardian drones, in a bid to achieve interoperability with NATO and the United States.
Moreover, Morocco’s political maneuvering yielded a significant diplomatic win in 2020 when the US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for normalization of relations with Israel.Algeria, in contrast, has remained aligned with anti-colonial and anti-Western sentiments, forging partnerships with Russia .
Its own military might is substantial, with recent acquisitions from Russia including stealth aircraft and bombers. Economically, Algeria is positioning itself as an energy alternative for Europe, especially in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Diplomatically, Algeria is emerging from isolation, seeking to influence African and Arab politics, and has expressed interest in joining the BRICS group of emerging economies.
The escalating competition goes beyond the military and cultural realms into the digital space, with online platforms becoming battlefields for influence and propaganda. Both nations invest heavily in campaigns to assert their historical narratives and national symbols. The absurdity of the situation was exemplified by the “Jaghdid” incident, where Moroccan social media users baited Algerian counterparts into claiming a fictitious delicacy, highlighting the extent of the digital cultural war.
Relevant articles:
– A war is raging between Algeria and Morocco. It is being fought in the heritage arena., Atlantic Council
– Cold War in Africa: Morocco and Algeria, Association of the United States Army