Morocco Issues Expulsion Order Against Algerian Activist Rachid Nekkaz Over Provocative Remarks on Moroccan Sovereignty
Morocco's public prosecutor ordered the expulsion of Algerian businessman Rachid Nekkaz for inflammatory social media statements regarding Moroccan sovereignty. Following his claims at the Koutoubia Mosque, Nekkaz was detained and rapidly deported to prevent public unrest. This incident highlights escalating tensions between Morocco and Algeria amid the upcoming AFCON 2025.
hassan benyoub 
Marrakech, March 18, 2025 – Morocco’s public prosecutor at the Marrakech court issued an expulsion order against Algerian businessman and activist Rachid Nekkaz in the early hours of Sunday, following his posting of a provocative video on social media containing statements deemed “inflammatory” about Moroccan sovereignty, according to security sources.
Nekkaz was initially detained and placed under surveillance at his hotel before a final judicial decision was made to deport him, the same sources confirmed. The expulsion comes in response to remarks he made in front of the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, a historic landmark, where he claimed, “The Koutoubia is Algerian,” and described the Moroccan Sahara as “territory occupied by Morocco” since 1975.
According to security officials, Nekkaz was arrested on Monday after his statements went viral on social media. Initially, he pledged to “refrain from filming or making further statements” during the remainder of his stay in Morocco. However, authorities, initially hesitant to amplify the incident’s publicity, opted for an expedited deportation to avoid potential hostile public reactions in Marrakech.
Rachid Nekkaz, a controversial figure known for his repeated anti-Moroccan stances, has emerged as a vocal supporter of the Algerian regime since receiving a presidential pardon in 2021. Once an opposition figure imprisoned under Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, he has since become a sharp critic of Morocco, frequently targeting its monarchy and the Moroccan nature of the Sahara.
Through this firm action, Rabat reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy toward any challenge to its territorial integrity. Observers and security sources consulted unanimously described Nekkaz’s statements as a calculated provocation aimed at generating “negative buzz” against Moroccan authorities, portraying them as anti-Algerian. Morocco had previously declined to impose reciprocal visa requirements on Algerians, contrary to expectations from Algiers.
This latest provocation fits into a broader strategy of orchestrated tensions by Algeria, according to several analysts. While maintaining a firm stance on its red lines, Moroccan diplomacy continues to prioritize de-escalation and ignore provocations. Meanwhile, as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to take place in Morocco in December 2025 and January 2026, Algerian authorities are reportedly seeking ways to discourage Algerian fans from attending, analysts suggest.
