Former Algerian presidential candidate Rachid Nekkaz Sparks Anger in Morocco

Rachid Nekkaz, an Algerian businessman and activist, has made headlines in Morocco for his statements in Marrakech. Known for his provocations, Nekkaz was ultimately deported from Morocco.

Nekkaz, a former candidate in Algeria’s presidential elections, was interrogated and placed under surveillance after posting a video on social media containing statements deemed provocative regarding Moroccan sovereignty.

In the video, filmed in front of the historic Koutoubia Mosque, he claimed that the mosque was built by Algeria, accused Moroccans who participated in the 1975 Green March of being “occupiers,” and questions the Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. These remarks sparked outrage, prompting the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Marrakech court to issue a deportation order. This Adds to the already-poor relations between Morocco and Algeria.

By Tuesday morning, Nekkaz had boarded a flight to France, marking the end of his short but turbulent stay in Morocco. Prior to his departure, he had pledged not to film or make any further statements.

A History of Controversy

Nekkaz’s argument about the Koutoubia Mosque is based on a simplistic logic: Abdelmoumen, the founder of the Almohad empire and builder of the Koutoubia, was born in Nedroma, a city now part of Algeria. Therefore, Nekkaz claims, the mosque is “Algerian.”

Nekkaz’s career has been marked by controversy. A businessman without a business and a politician without voters, he first gained attention during protests in French suburbs in 2005. In Algeria, he emerged as a political figure during the 2014 presidential elections, attempting to run as an independent candidate despite not meeting the necessary requirements.

He was later imprisoned during President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s tenure before receiving a presidential pardon and moving to France, where he served a prison sentence for tax evasion.