The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the French ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, to formally protest France's participation in joint military exercises with Morocco. During a meeting with the French diplomat, the ministry's Secretary-General, Lounes Magramane, underscored «the seriousness of the Franco-Moroccan military exercises scheduled for next September in Errachidia, near the Algerian border—'Chergui 2025,' a name that carries strong connotations». Magramane further conveyed that «Algeria views this exercise as a provocation», warning that such actions could escalate the ongoing crisis in Algerian-French relations and heighten tensions between the two countries. The Secretary-General also urged the French ambassador to «seek the necessary clarifications on this matter and relay Algeria's stance to his authorities in the exact terms communicated». This diplomatic move comes despite the absence of an official announcement regarding the maneuvers. However, some media reports suggest that representatives from both armies have already held coordination meetings in preparation. It is worth noting that Algeria has frequently conducted military exercises near the Moroccan border, using live ammunition—most notably in May 2023 in the Béchar region, in January 2021 south of Tindouf, and in May of the same year in Oran.
