Algeria 'very unlikely' to attend Grand Maghreb Forum in Tangier

The Algerian consular representation in Morocco received an official invitation about a month ago to attend the “Grand Maghreb Forum,” which will be held in Tangier on February 17.

However, sources within the organizing committee told Hespress that the Algerian entity has not yet responded to the invitation.

“The consular representation of Algeria has not responded positively or negatively to the request so far,” said the same sources, ruling out the possibility of official Algerian entities attending the forum due to the current tensions between Rabat and Algiers.

Nevertheless, it is possible that some Algerian civil society representatives, including those residing in Morocco, may attend the event to commemorate the anniversary of the Abdelsalam Ben Mchich Association for Development and Solidarity.

The sources also noted that “the Algerian officials still view with excessive sensitivity the events organized inside Morocco or on its initiatives,” adding that “Algerian officials previously failed to attend a remote online conference on Sufism, despite their initial approval, which makes their presence at the Tangier Forum next Sunday very unlikely.”

Hespress has obtained a correspondence addressed to the organizing committee, signed by the Director of the Office of the President of the Supreme Council of State in Libya.

The correspondence confirms the attendance of Mohamed Tekala, the President of the Council, and his approval to participate in the commemoration of the founding of the Maghreb Union.

No similar initiative has been observed from Algeria, despite Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister, expressing his country’s readiness to revive the Union project.

Hespress Ar sources stated that Taieb Baccouche, Secretary General of the Arab Maghreb Union, has confirmed his attendance at the upcoming Maghreb Forum in Tangier on February 17, 2024, taking advantage of his current presence in Morocco.

Tunisian media outlets, however, have reported that the Tunisian authorities have refused to renew his diplomatic passport.

The same sources additionally confirmed the participants of Ahmed Said Ould Bah, President of Chinguetti University in Mauritania, and several Moroccan diplomatic and Maghreb figures.

“There is a great moral responsibility behind this event, which requires a lot of commitment to this initiative of diametric and historical relevance, recalling the legacy of this union and discussing ways to revive and renew it,” stressed the organizing committee.

The committee also noted that “Morocco is committed to these issues at a high level, and its hand is always extended to anyone who wants constructive cooperation.”