Once again, Algeria has swiftly responded to a diplomatic shift in favor of Morocco on the Western Sahara issue. This time, it is the United Kingdom that finds itself in Algeria's crosshairs after voicing support for Morocco's autonomy plan—an initiative that has long been backed by numerous capitals as a compromise solution to a conflict that has dragged on for nearly half a century. In a particularly combative statement issued on Sunday, June 1, Algeria criticized the UK's support for what it described as an «empty initiative» and a tactic to «buy time» while «accustoming the international community to the fait accompli of illegal occupation» of the territory. Algeria asserted that, despite the autonomy plan being repeatedly praised by the United Nations as a serious basis for discussion, it has never been «taken seriously» by UN envoys. This outburst is far from an isolated incident. Algeria, which frequently claims not to be a party to the conflict, regularly adopts an uncompromising stance whenever a third country expresses support for Morocco's autonomy plan. After recalling its ambassador to Spain in 2022 following Madrid's policy shift, Algeria froze diplomatic relations with France in 2024, condemning what it called «hostile» positions after Emmanuel Macron's remarks on Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. However, perhaps wary of escalating political and economic tensions, Algeria softened its message this time, emphasizing that London has not formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algeria also noted that the British Secretary of State had «publicly and solemnly reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to the principle of the right to self-determination». In its statement, Algeria expressed hope for a reversal of the UK's position—though it notably avoided any mention of David Lammy's comments on British investments in the Saharan provinces.
