Mauritania considers itself part of the solution to the the Sahara dispute, rather than part of the problem, the country’s government spokesperson said Wednesday, reiterating Nouakchott’s position of “complete positive neutrality” on the issue.
Mohamed Ould Bebbana, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament, made the remarks during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
He said Mauritania closely monitors developments along all its borders with neighboring countries, stressing that its position on the Sahara dispute remains unchanged and is based on positive neutrality and careful monitoring of developments.
Ould Bebbana also urged national and international media outlets to understand the implications of Mauritania’s position, expressing frustration over repeated questions on an issue he said the government had already addressed clearly.
“We are prepared to provide clarification every week when requested, even if the questions are phrased differently,” he said, adding that he hoped national media would avoid repeatedly raising the same questions on matters where the government’s position was already established.
The remarks follow comments made in mid-October by Mauritania’s Minister of Vocational Training, Crafts and Trades, Ma El Ainin Ould Ayeh, who said Nouakchott’s position was based on positive neutrality aimed at facilitating a solution acceptable to all parties through an appropriate framework.
Ould Ayeh made the statement ahead of a United Nations Security Council session on the Sahara issue.
He also addressed debate surrounding the Moroccan city of La Güera and discussions about Mauritania’s territorial interests and the possible demarcation of its border with Morocco. He said efforts to accelerate a resolution to the dispute required Mauritania to raise any proposals that could help advance the process, while safeguarding the interests of the wider region and its own national interests.
Mauritania maintains position of positive neutrality
Mauritania has consistently described its approach to the Sahara dispute as one of “positive neutrality,” a policy that observers have linked to Nouakchott’s efforts to maintain balanced relations with both Morocco and Algeria.
The position has also prompted calls within Mauritania for a reassessment in light of changing international developments and the growing number of countries expressing support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory and its autonomy proposal.
Mauritania’s current position is rooted in the 1979 Algiers Agreement, through which the country renounced its territorial claims in the Sahara, marking a shift in its approach to the dispute.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has previously described the Sahara issue as a central criterion in the kingdom’s relations with other countries, saying it serves as a measure of the sincerity of friendships and the effectiveness of partnerships.
Nouakchott’s latest statements reaffirm that it intends to maintain its stated policy of positive neutrality while following developments surrounding the dispute.
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