Algeria is on the brink of returning its ambassador to Madrid following a 19-month absence, signaling its disapproval of Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan to resolve the Sahara dispute.
High-ranking Algerian political sources indicate that the countries are moving towards resolving their differences, restoring their relations to previous standings.
Previously, Algeria demanded Spain’s neutrality concerning the Sahara conflict in exchange for retracting its decision to freeze the friendship treaty and halt trade between the two nations. However, it remains unclear whether Algeria’s condition has been met.
According to El Confidencial newspaper, Algeria is ready to appoint a new ambassador in Madrid, following the withdrawal of its former ambassador, Said Moussi, on March 19, 2019.
His withdrawal at that time was for consultations, following Spain’s shift in stance on the Sahara dispute. Two months later, diplomat Moussi was relocated to Paris as the new ambassador, leaving the position in Madrid vacant.
Recently, Algerian authorities announced some reshuffling in their diplomatic sector, notably appointing former Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum as the ambassador to Washington.
Political sources reveal that within this shuffle, a new ambassador has been chosen for Madrid – Abdel Fattah Daghmoum, the former ambassador to Guinea.