President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reiterated to Algerian media last night his initiative for a Maghreb region excluding Morocco. The project, launched on March 3 in Algiers, has stirred controversy due to its exclusionary approach towards the neighboring kingdom.
Tebboune justified Morocco’s sidelining by stating, “Our western neighbors wish to join the West African Development Organization (ECOWAS), and they are free to do so.” This remark comes in response to Morocco’s application for ECOWAS membership in 2017, a move followed by Tunisia’s pursuit of partnerships with other African nations.
The Algerian president emphasized that the newly proposed Maghreb entity aims to create a unified voice for the region and fill the void left by the dysfunctional Arab Maghreb Union (UMA).
Tebboune stressed that the initiative is not directed against any particular country and affirmed that the door remains open for all regional states to join.
Tebboune’s remarks also touched upon the Sahara issue, framing it as a question of decolonization and advocating for Arab League involvement in resolving the regional dispute.
Furthermore, Tebboune highlighted Algeria’s coordination efforts with Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania. While expressing hopes for Mauritania’s inclusion in the regional project, he referenced past tensions between Mauritania and Morocco over sovereignty claims, underscoring Algeria’s historical support for Mauritania’s independence.
However, Tebboune’s statements have drawn criticism from analysts who Algeria’s initiative as an attempt to isolate Morocco regionally, especially following Morocco’s reintegration into the African Union and its efforts to strengthen ties across the continent.
Others perceive Algeria’s discourse as reflective of political stagnation and a rigid adherence to outdated principles, hindering diplomatic progress in the region.
Responding to Tebboune’s interview, Algerian opposition activist Shawqi Ben Zahra accused Algeria of escalating its confrontation with Morocco by attempting to disrupt Rabat’s regional relations. Ben Zahra criticized Algeria’s policy as divisive and aimed at serving its own interests at the expense of Maghreb unity.
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