Tensions rise between Morocco and Germany
After Rabat s recall of the ambassador and harsh allegations against Germany, Berlin has called for explanations, hoping for a quick resumption of bilateral relations - in the interests of both countries.
Morocco would welcome fishing north of the Western Sahara but has been denied access by the Court of Justice of the European Union
This week, the on-going tensions between Morocco and Germany have reached a new level, after Morocco took exception to Berlin s stance on its claims to the Western Sahara. Last Thursday, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry recalled their ambassador, Zohour Alaoui, and published a list of allegations against the German government. This kind of pressure is unprecedented, Dr Maria Josua, research fellow at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg, told DW on the phone.
Guardians of the Desert - Traveling the Sahara with Camel Herders
How did Germany respond to the allegations?
Germany said it was surprised by Morocco s move to recall its ambassador. We are all the more surprised by this measure as we are working with the Moroccan side in a constructive way to resolve this crisis, the German Foreign Ministry said.
In March, Morocco requested its government departments suspend contact with Germany s embassy in the North African nation, due to differences on the Western Sahara issue.
The two countries are close economic partners. According to the German Foreign Office, Germany is Morocco s seventh-largest trading partner as of 2019, with Berlin also giving foreign aid to the Kingdom for economic and clean energy development.
Germany’s stance on Sahara issue prompts Morocco to recall envoy
The Moroccan Foreign Ministry put out a statement saying “Germany has distanced itself from the spirit of constructive solution with a destructive attitude on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.”
Friday 07/05/2021
German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita upon his arrival for the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) conference on November 19, 2019 in Berlin. (AFP)
RABAT – Morocco’s ambassador to Germany has been recalled to Rabat for “consultations”, the Moroccan foreign ministry said Thursday.
The North African kingdom’s move comes amid rising tensions with Germany, notably related to the disputed Western Sahara. The ministry also cited concerns about the two countries’ cooperation against terrorism and in settling Libya’s conflict.
May 06, 2021 - 12:25 PM
RABAT, Morocco - Moroccoâs ambassador to Germany has been recalled to Rabat for âconsultations, the Moroccan Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
The North African kingdomâs move comes amid rising tensions with Germany, notably related to the disputed Western Sahara. The ministry also cited concerns about the two countries co-operation against terrorism and in settling Libya s conflict.
In March, Morocco suspended ties with the German Embassy due to âdeep misunderstandingsâ following then-U.S. President Donald Trumpâs controversial decision in December to recognize Moroccoâs sovereignty over the territory.
The German Foreign Ministry said it was not informed in advance about the ambassador s recall, adding that it was mystified by the allegations cited in the Moroccan Foreign Ministry s statement.