An intense rivalry of disparagement, a veritable escalation in hostile language, appears to have been unleashed from the inner circles of an Algerian administration seemingly fixated on one singular obsession: Morocco. Even well-meaning Algerian voices, critical of this trend, suggest that this overtly aggressive stance, openly embraced and cultivated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s government, is a relatively recent development.
Conversely, others contend that this deep-seated hostility towards Morocco has always been present, but its current explosive manifestation is merely amplified by the pervasive reach of social media. However, this perspective overlooks a crucial parallel development: the Tebboune government’s launch of AL24 News, a television channel whose editorial direction seems predominantly dedicated to praising President Tebboune while simultaneously unleashing 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 glee displayed by some of its propagandist “journalists” when discussing Morocco. Each seems to strive for the most cutting remark, the most impactful “punchline” to tarnish the Kingdom’s image, without restraint, without oversight, and with an overflowing zeal. The factual basis of these attacks matters little; the primary objective is for the insult to land effectively.
Regarding Morocco, the official Algerian media’s communication has descended into such levels of absurdity that they even avoid uttering the Kingdom’s name in certain sports summaries, believing this prevents “glorifying the country.” This peculiar practice was first observed during the Qatar World Cup when the Moroccan team reached the semi-finals—a feat celebrated globally, yet conspicuously ignored by Algerian television. Today, the same grim scenario unfolds with the 2026 World Cup, where Morocco’s name and achievements have once again become unmentionable.
«One commentator recently spiraled into an acute delusion, asserting that Lionel Messi, after scoring three goals against the Algerian national team, was manipulated by “the Jewish lobby” and that this entity was determined to make Algeria pay for its “support for Western Sahara and the Palestinian cause.”»
If shame could induce deafness, Algerian leaders would not even hear themselves breathe. How can one push such baseness and blind hatred to the point of banning a country’s name from broadcasts, simply to avoid acknowledging its significant sporting accomplishments?
These outrageous excerpts, translated into French and English, have circulated widely. They highlight a particularly alarming phenomenon with potential international ramifications. The Algerian regime appears not only as a purveyor of animosity towards its neighbors but also as a promoter of state-sponsored antisemitism, given that public television channels relay and disseminate such egregious statements. In the current global climate, this can be perceived as exceptionally serious on the international stage.
Evidently, Tebboune has unleashed a torrent of hateful rhetoric in Algeria. He seems to have contributed to shaping a new, neurotic identity founded on the logic: “Tell me who you hate, and I’ll tell you who you are.” This shift has also manifested in the proliferation of numerous social media influencers, widely believed to be close to the regime, who propagate this narrative with barely disguised delight.
The animosity directed at Morocco has transformed into a lucrative political commodity in Algeria. It is a trade so profitable that, to ascend the ladders of power or secure positions of responsibility, one need not demonstrate expertise or skill, but merely exhibit an unyielding hatred for Morocco. This, it seems, has become the ultimate qualification for a swift rise within the circles of power. And, according to observations, examples of this phenomenon are abundant.
