Morocco recalls its ambassador over Algerian Foreign Minister's accusations

Morocco has recalled its ambassador to Algeria after the Algerian Foreign Minister accused Rabat of «laundering hashish money» in Africa, reports AFP. As a response, the Algerian Foreign Ministry also summoned its Charge d'affaires in Rabat Friday evening to protest against «the very serious statements … concerning the African policy of the Kingdom of Morocco».

The diplomatic crisis between the two neighboring countries erupted when the Algerian Foreign Minister, Abdelkader Messahel said during a business meeting with leaders in Algiers yesterday that «everybody knows that the Moroccan banks launder hashish money. The leaders of many African countries have told me this».

Messahel who trying to explain the sharp increase in investments by Moroccan banks in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years added that «Royal Air Maroc transported more than just passengers».

Responding to that, Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that the Messahel's comments showcase the «level of irresponsibility unprecedented in the history of bilateral relations» which «testify to a deep and inexplicable ignorance of the basic workings of the banking system and civil aviation».