Algeria has warned France about upcoming joint military drills with Morocco, citing concerns they could escalate tensions. The military exercise “Sharki 2025” is set for September 2025 near Algeria’s border. Algeria’s officials have requested clarity from France on its involvement, amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions related to various issues.
Algeria has issued a stern warning to France regarding forthcoming joint military exercises with Morocco, named “Sharki 2025,” planned for September near the Algerian border. The Algerian government labels these maneuvers as “provocative,” arguing that they could worsen the already strained relations between Algeria and France. Secretary-General of Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lounes Magramane, raised these concerns in a meeting with French Ambassador Stephane Romatet.
Magramane articulated Algeria’s apprehensions, indicating that the military exercises may escalate the ongoing crisis between the nations. He urged that such actions would intensify diplomatic tensions, potentially leading to adverse consequences in the region. Magramane has also requested clarity from France regarding its stance on the drills and has asked Ambassador Romatet to relay Algeria’s concerns to the French government.
This warning is part of escalating diplomatic friction between Algeria and France, which is aggravated by various issues including comments from French officials about Algeria and the ongoing disagreements tied to the 1968 migration agreement. “Sharki 2025,” the second exercise of its kind, is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025, in Bechar, near Algeria’s southwestern border.
The preliminary planning for this drill was conducted in May 2024 at the French military inspection headquarters in Sale, focusing on the coordination of resources and equipment between Fraser and Morocco. The exercises will be held at specified locations such as the Artillery Training Center “Rahmat Allah” and “Afrido” in the Rachidia region, which is situated less than 100 kilometers from Bechar.
The warnings from Algeria highlight the increasing tensions with France concerning military collaboration with Morocco. The scheduled military exercises, “Sharki 2025,” are viewed as a source of potential conflict escalation in the region, prompting Algeria to seek clarification from France and express its serious concerns. Continued friction between these countries underscores the complexities of their diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
