Algeria has recalled its ambassador to Morocco after Rabat officially announced its backing of Algerian separatists in the Kabylie region.
The move followed remarks made by Morocco’s representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, that the country was ‘officially and explicitly’ supporting the ‘right of self-determination for the Kabyle people in Algeria’.
Read Also: Algeria Elects Parliament Amid Crackdown On Protesters
The Algerian ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement that the comments were ‘unacceptable’ and asked Morocco to clarify its position.
The two countries have a long-standing, fraught relationship over Western Sahara.
Morocco claims it as part of its territory, while Algeria backs the Polisario movement’s demand for the independence of Western Sahara.
Mr Hilale was referring to the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK) which is seeking to split the mainly Berber Kabylie region from the rest of Algeria.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
