BATIMATEC 2026: Building Algeria’s Future Copy link

ALGIERS – Acting on direct orders from the Moroccan “Makhzen” regime, Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitail, continues to implement a hidden agenda in desperate attempts to tarnish Algeria’s international image. The most recent incident involved a group of Moroccan agitators tasked with disrupting the Algerian pavilion at the 2026 Paris Fair.

Moroccan Agitators Target Algerian Pavilion at Paris Fair; Clashes Erupt#Morocco https://t.co/H99sqwNRSK

— Algeria Gate -English (@algatedzEng) May 2, 2026

During a showcase of traditional Algerian attire—which includes heritage internationally recognized by UNESCO—Moroccan individuals carried provocative banners to disturb the event. The atmosphere became highly charged and nearly escalated into physical clashes before security intervened. Despite the provocations targeting their cultural symbols, Algerian participants maintained their composure, and the agitators were ultimately expelled from the pavilion.

The appointment of Sitail—a former journalist with no prior diplomatic or political experience—comes as the Moroccan lobby’s influence in French public opinion and decision-making circles wanes in the face of Algeria’s growing presence. This shift is attributed to the “new dynamism” of Algerian diplomacy and a new generation of diplomats who have altered the political equation in France and across Europe.

Upon taking office, Sitail’s first major move was convening an extraordinary meeting with all 17 Moroccan Consuls General in France, along with heads of Moroccan religious, sports, and cultural associations. The meeting was notably attended by André Azoulay, advisor to King Mohammed VI and a key figure in the Moroccan lobby. Sources from Algeria Gate revealed that the primary objective was establishing a roadmap to rebuild influence and break Rabat’s isolation following the “Morocco-gate” scandal in Europe.

Ambassador Sitail, who holds dual Moroccan-French citizenship, reportedly instructed the Moroccan lobby to:

Launch public relations campaigns with influential French figures in finance and media to improve the Kingdom’s image.

Monitor and track the activities of Algerian associations operating in France.

Encourage Moroccan consuls to mobilize the diaspora and organize demonstrations in support of Morocco’s “territorial integrity” as a counter to Pro-Polisario rallies in Paris and Marseille.

Leverage networks to influence French politicians, local officials, artists, and celebrities to serve the Kingdom’s policies, particularly regarding the Western Sahara conflict and strained relations with Algeria.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Saturday the appointment of match officials for the two-legged final of the CAF Confederation Cup between USM Alger and Egypt’s Zamalek SC, scheduled for May 9 and 16.

The CAF Referees Committee has assigned the first leg, set for May 9 at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers (20:00), to Mauritanian international referee Dahane Beida. He will be assisted by:

First Assistant: Gerson Emiliano dos Santos (Angola)

Second Assistant: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)

Fourth Official: Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth will be managed by Daniel Laryea (Ghana), assisted by Beida Dahane (Mauritania) and Stephen Yiembe (Kenya).

The return leg, scheduled for May 16 at Cairo International Stadium, will be officiated by Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho, assisted by:

First Assistant: Boris Marlaise Ditsoga (Gabon)

Second Assistant: Amos Ndong (Gabon)

Fourth Official: Patrice Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)

Tunisian referee Haythem Guirat will lead the VAR team for the second leg, assisted by Maria Rivet and Carine Atezambong Fomo.

USM Alger secured their spot in the final after overcoming Olympic Safi (0-0, 1-1), while Zamalek reached the final stage at the expense of CR Belouizdad (0-1, 0-0).

PARIS – Under direct instructions from the Moroccan Ambassador to France, Samira Sitail, groups of Moroccan agitators attempted to disrupt the Algerian pavilion at the 2026 Paris Fair. Despite these attempts, the Algerian wing captured the spotlight as the most organized and popular attraction, drawing visitors of various nationalities. The pavilion showcased a modern yet authentic image of Algeria, reflecting its rich and diverse tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Algerian participants from across the country displayed a wide array of traditional attire, customs, and traditions. However, as the fashion show for ancient Algerian costumes—such as the Oranian Blouza and the Algerian Caftan—commenced, a group of Moroccans tasked with sabotaging the event appeared.

The Moroccan provocations sparked a wave of anger among the Algerians present, leading to physical altercations as they defended Algerian symbols against the insults.

The agitators were eventually expelled and removed from the vicinity of the Algerian pavilion. Images circulated later showing the group after their “vile plot” was successfully thwarted.

Source: Algeria Gate Arabic Version