Algerian move to disrupt the Morocco-Mauritania rapprochement
An Algerian parliamentary delegation visited Nouakchott this week, shortly after a high-level Moroccan visit that resulted in new bilateral cooperation agreements. The Algerian visit, led by National Assembly Speaker Ibrahim Boughali, is widely interpreted as an attempt by Algiers to counter the growing rapprochement between Mauritania and Morocco.
This warming of ties, marked by frequent official exchanges and enhanced economic and security cooperation, suggests that Nouakchott may be moving from a neutral stance to one of clear support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Moroccan Sahara. Such a shift would deal a major diplomatic blow to Algeria, which staunchly backs the Polisario Front.
Morocco’s increasing engagement with Mauritania was recently highlighted by the participation of a delegation led by the Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, in the Parliamentary Economic Forum held in Nouakchott. The event led to agreements aimed at strengthening economic, trade, and joint political cooperation.
Algeria, which has struggled to consolidate its influence in Mauritania, views this alignment with Rabat with concern. Mauritanian officials have openly expressed interest in benefiting from Morocco’s experience, particularly in the fight against terrorism and the development of key sectors.
Morocco and Mauritania face shared security challenges in the Sahel, where organized crime and extremist groups continue to threaten stability. Rabat is keen to expand intelligence and defense cooperation with Nouakchott to safeguard its southern borders.
Analysts believe Algeria’s diplomatic overtures aim to project a sense of regional engagement, especially amid a broader decline in its influence in Africa. These efforts are also seen as attempts to counterbalance Morocco’s growing diplomatic successes.
Historical, cultural, and religious ties bind Morocco and Mauritania, providing a solid foundation for their strategic partnership. Although Nouakchott maintains a policy of constructive neutrality regarding Moroccan Sahara, any shift—even a subtle one—toward Morocco’s autonomy plan would carry strategic significance for Rabat.
Algeria sees Mauritania as part of its sphere of influence in the Sahel. As such, any deepening of ties with Morocco is perceived as a contraction of Algeria’s regional reach. A potential Mauritanian endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy proposal would undermine Algiers’ long-standing efforts to prolong the dispute over Moroccan Sahara.
Some observers suggest that Algeria’s outreach toward Mauritania is more tactical than strategic, while Mauritania increasingly views Morocco as a trustworthy partner in addressing its pressing economic and security challenges.
Mauritania also represents Algeria’s most viable access point to the Atlantic Ocean and West African markets. With Algeria facing growing diplomatic isolation—particularly after tensions with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—its relationship with Nouakchott becomes ever more critical.
