Algeria’s political commodification of anti-Morocco sentiment

A fierce contest of denigration and escalating insults appears to have been initiated within Algerian power circles, driven by a singular focus on Morocco. Observers within Algeria, critical of this trend, suggest that this openly embraced and fostered animosity, championed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration, is a relatively new development.

Conversely, some argue that this hostility towards Morocco has always been present, but its current eruptive visibility is magnified by social media. However, this perspective often overlooks the fact that the Tebboune government simultaneously launched AL24 News, a television channel whose editorial direction appears primarily dedicated to extolling President Tebboune while unleashing a torrent of vitriol against Morocco.

Audiences tuning into its broadcasts, live or via social media, cannot help but notice the disturbing level of morbid glee displayed by some of its propagandist “journalists” when discussing Morocco. Each seems to vie for the most damaging phrase, the most impactful “punchline” to tarnish the Kingdom’s image, showing no restraint, no oversight, and an overwhelming excess of zeal. The veracity of the attacks seems irrelevant; the primary goal is for the insult to land its intended blow.

Official Algerian media’s approach to Morocco has descended into absurdity, even going so far as to omit the Kingdom’s name in certain sports summaries, seemingly to avoid “glorifying the country.” This peculiar behavior was first observed during the Qatar World Cup when the Moroccan national team reached the semi-finals—an achievement celebrated globally, but notably ignored by Algerian television. Now, a similar grim pattern is unfolding with the upcoming Mondial 2026, where Morocco’s name and achievements have once again become unspeakable.

“One commentator recently spiraled into an intense delusion, claiming Lionel Messi, after scoring three goals against the Algerian team, was being manipulated by ‘the Jewish lobby,’ and that this group sought to punish Algeria for its ‘support for Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause.’” 

If shame could induce deafness, Algerian leaders would no longer hear themselves breathe. How is it possible to descend to such depths of pettiness and blind hatred as to ban a nation’s name from broadcasts, merely to avoid acknowledging its significant athletic achievements?

These outrageous excerpts, translated into French and English, have circulated widely. They highlight a deeply troubling phenomenon with potential international ramifications. The Algerian regime now appears not only to be generating animosity towards its neighbors but also to be promoting state-sponsored antisemitism, given that public television channels broadcast and amplify such extremist views. This is an especially serious concern on the international stage in the current climate.

Evidently, Tebboune has unleashed a torrent of hateful rhetoric within Algeria. He appears to have helped forge a new, neurotic identity rooted in the logic: “Tell me who you hate, and I’ll tell you who you are.” This shift is also evident in the rise of numerous social media influencers, reportedly close to the regime, who disseminate this narrative with thinly veiled glee.

Anti-Morocco sentiment has transformed into a lucrative political commodity in Algeria. This trade is so profitable that to advance within the echelons of power or secure positions of responsibility, one need not demonstrate expertise or skill, but merely an unyielding hatred for Morocco. This, it seems, has become the ultimate qualification for rapid ascent within governmental circles. And, according to my observations, examples of this phenomenon are plentiful.