A fierce contest of disparagement and escalating insults appears to have been unleashed from within Algerian power circles, driven by a singular preoccupation: Morocco. Many discerning Algerians who critically observe this phenomenon suggest that this publicly embraced and sustained stance of animosity, championed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration, is a relatively recent development.
Conversely, some argue that this hostility towards Morocco has always been present, but its current eruptive manifestation is merely amplified by social media platforms. However, this magnifying effect often overshadows the fact that the Tebboune government launched a television channel, AL24 News, whose editorial stance appears primarily dedicated to extolling President Tebboune while simultaneously broadcasting torrents of vitriol against Morocco.
Viewers tuning into its broadcasts, whether live or via social media, cannot help but notice the disturbing level of morbid jubilation displayed by certain ‘journalists’ – clearly propagandists – when discussing Morocco. Each seems to vie for the most scathing turn of phrase, the most impactful ‘punchline’ to tarnish the Kingdom’s image, unrestrained and unchecked, with an overflowing zeal. The outlandishness of the attacks matters little; the paramount goal is for the insult to land its intended blow.
Algerian official media’s communication regarding Morocco has descended into outright absurdity, reaching a point where they deliberately avoid uttering the Kingdom’s name in certain sports summaries, presumably to prevent ‘glorifying the country.’ This bizarre practice was first observed during the Qatar World Cup, when the Moroccan national team reached the semi-finals – an achievement celebrated globally, except by Algerian television. Now, the same somber scenario is unfolding with the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where Morocco’s name and sporting accomplishments have once again become unspeakable.
“One commentator recently spiraled into an intense delusion, alleging that Lionel Messi, after scoring three goals against the Algerian national team, was being manipulated by ‘the Jewish lobby.’ This alleged lobby, he claimed, was determined to make Algeria ‘pay for its support of Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause.'”
If shame possessed a physical manifestation, Algerian leaders would surely be deafened by it, unable to hear themselves breathe. How is it possible to descend to such depths of baseness and blind hatred, prohibiting the mere mention of a country’s name on public airwaves, simply to avoid acknowledging its significant sporting achievements?
These outlandish excerpts, translated into both French and English, have circulated widely, spotlighting a deeply concerning phenomenon with potential international ramifications. The Algerian regime is not merely emerging as a purveyor of hatred towards its neighbors, but also as a promoter of state-sanctioned antisemitism, given that public television channels broadcast and amplify such extreme rhetoric. In the current global climate, this can be viewed as particularly serious on the international stage.
Evidently, President Tebboune has unleashed a torrent of hateful discourse across Algeria. He appears to have played a significant role in shaping a new, neurotic national identity rooted in the logic: ‘Tell me who you hate, and I will tell you who you are.’ This shift has also manifested in the proliferation of numerous social media influencers, reportedly close to the regime, who disseminate this narrative with thinly veiled glee.
Hostility towards Morocco has transformed into a highly profitable political commodity in Algeria. This trade is so lucrative that to ascend the ranks of power or secure positions of responsibility, one seemingly needs to demonstrate neither expertise nor skill, but merely an unyielding hatred for Morocco. This, it appears, has become the most valuable credential for rapid advancement within the corridors of power, and, as observers note, examples of this phenomenon are abundant.