Algeria's Minister of Interior, Ibrahim Mourad, embarked on his first official visit to Spain since the diplomatic crisis of 2022, marking a significant thawing of relations between the two countries. The visit, scheduled for February 24-25, 2025, was met with cautious optimism as Algeria and Spain seek to address pressing bilateral issues.
Mourad's trip is notable as it is the first time since Spain's controversial support for Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, which led to Algeria suspending its friendship treaty with Spain. The Algerian Ministry of Interior announced, "This visit will allow for discussions on bilateral cooperation on matters of mutual interest," reflecting the desire for diplomatic reconciliation.
The backdrop for this visit lies within the recent history between Algeria and Spain. The tensions escalated dramatically on March 19, 2022, when Algeria recalled its ambassador from Madrid after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara region. This endorsement was viewed by Algeria as a violation of international obligations, particularly since Spain is seen as the administrative power over the territory, which has been the center of conflict for decades.
The ramifications of this political schism were significant, leading to Algeria halting nearly all imports from Spain and shifting its commercial interests to other European nations, primarily due to the fallout from the stance on Western Sahara.
During Mourad's visit, accompanied by key officials including the Director General of National Security, Ali Badawi, and Director General of Civil Protection, Boualem Boughelaf, discussions are expected to cover issues ranging from migration to security cooperation. The visit signals Algeria's intent to mend ties and address mutual concerns head-on.
An element of optimism surrounding this engagement can be traced back to the changing rhetoric from both nations. Ahmed Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister, met recently with Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, during the G20 Summit, signaling willingness on both sides to revamp their relationship. This meeting was significant, as it indicated the possibility of restoring the cordial diplomatic channels once prevalent before the 2022 crisis.
Additional layers of complexity within this diplomatic renewal include Algeria’s increasing tensions with France amid its support for Morocco. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently warned of a looming rupture with France, underlining the precariousness of regional politics. This backdrop complicates Algeria's foreign policy, pushing it toward seeking allies outside of traditional partners.
Migration is also at the forefront of discussions due to Algeria’s geographical position as both a country of origin and transit for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The burgeoning issue of irregular migration could lead to humanitarian concerns and shared responsibilities, making bilateral cooperation not just beneficial but necessary.
The statistical reality surrounding migration from Algeria is stark. Reports indicate alarming numbers, with the Spanish non-governmental organization, Caminando Fronteras, citing over 500 fatalities of migrants crossing from Algeria to Spain's eastern shores within only this year, highlighting the urgent need for cooperative management of these crises.
Mourad is expected to highlight Algeria's commitment to addressing both the root causes of migration through regional stability and cooperation on crime prevention, echoing prior discussions from international forums emphasizing comprehensive strategies beyond immediate law-enforcement measures.
Economic aspects of the talks could also prove fruitful, especially as Algeria seeks to recover assets and reinforce trade relations. The visit embodies Algeria’s hope for mutual agreements relating to the repatriation of assets lost during times of corruption and mismanagement inherent to past administrations.
Notably, Algeria has expressed willingness to negotiate terms surrounding the return of high-value assets reportedly situated within Spanish territory, enhancing the urgency of these negotiations.
Overall, Ibrahim Mourad's visit to Spain is not just about repairing diplomatic relations; it is emblematic of the broader narratives playing out across North Africa and Europe. The outcomes of these discussions could set the stage for future collaboration or return to strained ties dependent on the positions both countries take on key issues such as territorial disputes, migration, and economic cooperation.
All eyes will be on the engagements between Algeria and Spain as they move forward from the shadows of their past disputes, cautiously optimistic about the avenues for cooperation and mutual benefit crafted within these reconvened dialogues.