King Mohammed VI Offers to Aid Algeria as Wildfires Surge

The Algerian government is yet to greenlightMorocco’s offer to help in relief efforts as wildfires continue to rage in Central Algeria.

King Mohammed VI has instructed the government to express Morocco's readiness to assist Algeria in fighting against the tragic forest wildfires raging in the city of Tizou in Central Algeria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the news today, saying that the King instructed the foreign and interior ministries to convey Morocco's willingness to help Algeria amid the wildfires crisis.

The ministry added that two Canadair CL-415 have been mobilized to participate in the operation should the Algerian government greenlight Morocco’s offer to help.

Algeria’s state media reported that the wildfires have caused devastating damages in several regions across the country. It said the death toll rose to over 69 as of Wednesday, including many soldiers deployed to help extinguish the raging flames.

The tragic wildfires  are exacerbated by scorching temperatures and seriously scarce water supplies.

The situation sparked calls for action and solidarity with Algeria.

Moroccans joined millions who are expressing support for Algerian people amid the tragedy. 

Morocco's aid offer to Algeria comes less than two weeks after King Mohammed VI urged the country to open borders with Morocco and engage in a dialogue to break the long-running political stalemate between the two countries.

Emphasizing that stability and security of Algeria is one of Morocco's priorities, the King suggested that resumption of ties between the two neighbors is a crucial precondition for the realization of Maghrebi integration and unity. 

In his call on the government to mobilize in solidarity with Algeria, King Mohammed VI suggested that Morocco is duty-bound to help its Algerian neighbor as it goes through a tragedy of scorching wildfires.  

But Algeria is yet to respond to Morocco’s move, and it remains to be seen whether the country’s government will accept Rabat's offer to help. 

Source: Morocco World News.