Algeria Issues Warning to France Over Joint Military Drills with Morocco
Algeria has issued a warning to France about joint military exercises with Morocco, labeled ‘provocative’ as they may heighten existing tensions. Secretary-General Lounes Magramane conveyed concerns about the impact on diplomatic relations during a meeting with French Ambassador Stephane Romatet. The drills, ‘Sharki 2025,’ are set for September 2025 near the Algerian border and represent ongoing diplomatic friction.
Algeria has formally expressed concerns to France regarding the upcoming joint military exercises with Morocco, scheduled for September 2025 near Algeria’s border. The Algerian government has labeled these drills as ‘provocative,’ emphasizing that they may aggravate already strained relations between Algeria and France.
At a meeting between Secretary-General Lounes Magramane and French Ambassador to Algeria, Stephane Romatet, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its apprehensions. The military exercises, named ‘Sharki 2025,’ are set to take place in the Rachidia region close to Algeria’s southwestern border, furthering the sense of insecurity for Algeria.
Magramane urged France to clarify its stance on the drills, expressing that such actions risk escalating the diplomatic crisis. He requested the ambassador communicate Algeria’s position to the French authorities, reflecting the heightened tensions between Algeria and France stemming from various historical and contemporary issues.
The ‘Sharki 2025’ exercises will commence on September 22, 2025, in Bechar and represent the second iteration of such military cooperation. Initial planning occurred during a May 2024 meeting at the French military inspection headquarters in Sale, aimed at resource coordination between the two countries.
The planned training sessions will occur at specific sites including the Artillery Training Center (CTM) ‘Rahmat Allah’ and ‘Afrido,’ situated less than 100 kilometers from Bechar. This development amplifies the ongoing diplomatic friction between Algeria and France, fueled by numerous bilateral concerns.
Algeria’s warning to France regarding the joint military drills with Morocco underscores the heightened diplomatic tensions arising from historical grievances and contemporary issues. The planned ‘Sharki 2025’ exercises are viewed as a provocation that risks further escalating the fragile relationship between the two nations. Algeria’s call for clarification from France demonstrates the seriousness of the situation in the context of regional stability.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
