DIPLOMATIC SPAT: Morocco recalls ambassador to Algeria over drug accusations

A diplomatic feud is currently brewing in North Africa after the Algerian foreign minister accused Moroccan banks of laundering drug money in Africa forcing Rabat to recall its ambassador.

The accusations were made by Abdelkader Messahel, Algeria’s top diplomat at a meeting with business leaders in Algiers with reports revealing that Morocco’s foreign ministry had also summoned the Algerian charge d’affaires in Rabat over the “very serious” and “false claims”.

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In a debate with business leaders in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, on Friday, Messahel alleged that Morocco is “laundering cannabis money via its banks in the continent”.

He also claimed that Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s state-owned carrier, is “carrying something other than passengers” to African destinations.

In response, the Moroccan foreign ministry said Messahel’s comments displayed “an unprecedented level of irresponsibility in the history of bilateral relations”.

They reflected “a deep and inexplicable ignorance of the basic workings of the banking system and civil aviation”, it added.

 

 

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