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Driss Ghali, CNEWS, and Morocco’s Identity Complex Toward Algeria

Moroccan essayist Driss Ghali recently made controversial remarks on CNEWS, claiming that Algerians suffer from an identity crisis and that their identity is built on "hatred of France." This narrative, far from being an objective analysis, is part of a broader propaganda strategy that serves both Moroccan geopolitical interests and certain ideological currents in France.

Beyond the political dimension, Ghali’s comments reveal a deeper Moroccan identity crisis, one rooted in the historical reality that Algeria has long been the cradle of Maghreb civilizations. From the Zenata to the Sanhaja, many of the great dynasties that ruled Morocco were of Algerian origin. This historical background plays a significant role in shaping the underlying tensions between the two nations.

Additionally, this discourse is closely linked to the growing alliance between Morocco and the French far right, which sees Rabat as a strategic partner against an independent and assertive Algeria.


Who is Driss Ghali? A Propaganda Tool for Morocco

Driss Ghali is a Moroccan writer who has gained visibility in France through his appearances on CNEWS, a network known for its divisive rhetoric on immigration, Islam, and Franco-Maghrebi relations.

Close to the Moroccan royal establishment, Ghali promotes narratives that align with the Moroccan regime’s interests while attacking Algeria. His presence on CNEWS is not coincidental but rather part of a broader Moroccan effort to influence French public opinion by presenting Algeria as a "problematic" country while portraying Morocco as a "stable ally" of France.

However, Ghali’s assertions about an "Algerian identity crisis" are historically inaccurate. If any Maghreb country can be considered the heartland of North African civilization, it is Algeria.

Algeria: The Cradle of Maghreb Civilizations

Throughout history, Morocco has been shaped by tribes and dynasties originating from Algeria, contrary to the claims of those seeking to erase this influence.

1. The Sanhaja: The Algerian Builders of the Almoravid Empire

The Almoravids (11th - 12th century), who controlled an empire stretching from Andalusia to the Sahara, were Sanhaja Berbers from central and southern Algeria.

2. The Zenata: Algerian Tribes Who Ruled Morocco

The Zenata, a powerful Berber tribal confederation from present-day Algeria, founded several ruling dynasties in Morocco:

  • The Almohads (12th - 13th century): Played a major role in the history of the Maghreb and Al-Andalus. It is important to emphasize that this dynasty was of Algerian origin and established its rule over Morocco after overthrowing the Almoravids.
  • The Marinids (13th - 15th century): Originating from Algeria’s high plateaus, they overthrew the Almohads and established their capital in Fez.
  • The Wattasids (15th - 16th century): A branch of the Marinids, they ruled Morocco before being replaced by the Saadians.

Thus, many of the dynasties that ruled Morocco were of Algerian origin. This historical reality creates an identity paradox for Morocco, where the current Alaouite monarchy (of Arab origin) has sought to downplay Algeria’s historical influence in order to reinforce its legitimacy.

This struggle over historical narratives explains why some Moroccan intellectuals, like Driss Ghali, push a revisionist discourse that attempts to erase Algeria’s foundational role in the region.

The Geopolitical Aspect: Morocco’s Alliance with the French Far Right

Ghali’s remarks on CNEWS are not just about identity; they also fit into a political and media strategy aligning Morocco with French conservative and far-right forces, which see Algeria as an adversary.

1. The Rabat-Paris Axis: A Special Relationship with French Conservatism

Unlike Algeria, which maintains an independent foreign policy, Morocco actively cultivates close ties with France, particularly within conservative and far-right circles:

  • Figures such as Éric Zemmour and Marine Le Pen have praised Morocco as a "model of stability," while frequently portraying Algeria as "hostile to France."
  • CNEWS, owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré (a key financier of right-wing media), provides a platform for Moroccan voices attacking Algeria.

2. Morocco as a Strategic Ally Against Algeria

On several issues, Morocco aligns itself with French far-right interests against Algeria:

  • On the Western Sahara issue, Morocco seeks French backing against Algeria, which supports the Sahrawi independence movement.
  • On immigration, the French right-wing portrays Morocco as a "security partner" while depicting Algeria as a "source of problems" in France.

This alliance manifests in the media, where CNEWS frequently invites Moroccan-affiliated commentators to push anti-Algerian narratives while avoiding objective discussions on Morocco’s own internal challenges.

Conclusion: Is Morocco the One with an Identity Crisis?

Driss Ghali’s claims about an "Algerian identity crisis" are a classic case of projection. If any country in the Maghreb struggles with its historical identity, it is Morocco, which has been heavily influenced by Algerian dynasties and Berber civilizations.

Behind this rhetoric lies a clear political and media strategy: Morocco, through its alliance with French right-wing forces, seeks to undermine Algeria’s image while presenting itself as France’s most reliable partner in North Africa.

However, historical facts cannot be erased. Algeria has long been the beating heart of Maghreb civilization, and Morocco’s historical trajectory has often been shaped by Algerian influence. This might explain why certain Moroccan intellectuals resort to rewriting history—to distract from their own country’s unresolved identity tensions.




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