Suspicious Diplomatic Moves: The Algerian Regime Transfers Its Consul from Oujda to London

Diplomatic measures by the Algerian regime: End of tenure for the Oujda consul

In a series of ongoing bureaucratic movements, the Algerian regime has ended the duties of Hicham Farhati, who served as Algeria’s consul in the city of Oujda. His appointment as consul general in the British capital, London, was officially announced in a presidential decree published in issue 25 of the Algerian Official Gazette, with no details provided regarding his successor in Morocco.

Timing and significance of the change amidst the diplomatic rupture

This diplomatic reshuffle comes in light of the ongoing diplomatic rupture imposed by the Algerian regime on the Kingdom of Morocco since August 2021. Farhati had begun his tenure in Oujda in March 2024, a period marked by a total freeze in bilateral relations, with his duties limited primarily to administrative and consular aspects.

The consular role in the absence of diplomatic relations

Despite the hostile climate fueled by the Algerian regime toward Morocco, the existence of consulates remains an administrative necessity for managing the interests of expatriate communities. Farhati’s activity during his time in Oujda was limited to overseeing the affairs of Algerian citizens, in addition to logistical tasks related to supporting Algerian sports delegations visiting Morocco for regional and international events. Available information confirms that this administrative action does not change the core of the political tension that defines the Algerian regime’s relations with Rabat, as consular interests remain merely a technical mechanism for providing documents and serving citizens in both countries.