Reviving the Maghreb Dream: Pathways to Regional Integration

The Maghreb region, encompassing North African countries, has long been touted as a potential powerhouse. Yet, its aspirations for unity and economic prosperity have been hindered by deep-rooted rivalries and ideological rifts. According to data from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB), despite repeated attempts at integration, the region remains the least integrated in Africa and the world. This stark reality serves as a poignant reminder of the collateral damage caused by unresolved conflicts and missed opportunities for cooperation.

The roots of this discord can be traced back to the stillborn integration project of the Maghreb Permanent Consultative Committee (CPCM), established in 1964 by Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. Envisioned as a platform for economic cooperation, the CPCM was ultimately dissolved in 1975 due to the Sahara conflict and divergent development models between socialist Algeria and the more liberal-leaning Morocco and Tunisia.

Undeterred, a new inter-Maghreb détente paved the way for the founding of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) in 1989. The AMU's genesis was closely linked to events in Europe and the European Economic Community (EEC), as well as the Islamic threats faced by Algeria and Tunisia. With ambitions of creating a common economic market and a security community, the AMU aimed to foster regional integration and stability.

However, the AMU's achievements have fallen far short of expectations, hampered by the crisis in Moroccan-Algerian relations and the border closure in 1994. Despite the conclusion of 37 conventions and agreements in economic and commercial matters, tangible progress has been meager, with only a few successful initiatives, such as the establishment of the Maghreb Union of Employers (MUE) and the Maghreb Union of Fairs, as well as the Maghreb Bank of Investment and Foreign Trade (MBIFT).

Recent developments have further strained relations within the AMU. Tunisia's departure from its neutrality policy regarding the Sahara, aligning with Algeria, has escalated tensions. Additionally, Algeria initiated a trilateral alliance in April 2024, involving Tunisia and Libya, while Tunisia postponed the appointment of a new AMU Secretary-General, moves perceived as geopolitical objectives aimed at isolating Morocco.

Amidst this turbulence, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Tunisia's recent decision to appoint Tarek Ben Salem as the new AMU Secretary-General, interpreted by Algeria as a success due to his predecessor's perceived pro-Moroccan stance.

As the Maghreb region grapples with these challenges, a realistic vision for revitalization is crucial. King Mohammed VI of Morocco has emphasized the need for "a new realistic vision firmly grounded in collaborative efforts and a commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and a pledge to refrain from interfering in their internal affairs or fostering division and secession."

This vision aligns with Morocco's strategy for African integration, exemplified by the Atlantic Royal initiatives, which prioritize regional projects, open regionalism, and inclusive partnerships. Experts suggest that the AMU could benefit from adopting a similar pragmatic approach, focusing on cross-cutting issues such as food security, infrastructure development, climate change, illegal migration, terrorism, and crime.

Moreover, the efficient institutional framework of the Atlantic African States Process (AASP), featuring a permanent secretariat and focal points, could serve as a model for establishing new AMU cooperation projects and institutions, reducing financial burdens and mitigating disputes over institutional structures.

Undoubtedly, the key to success lies in the hands of the AMU's institutions and personnel. The Secretary-General and staff bear the weighty responsibility of prioritizing the collective interests of the community, remaining free from undue influence, and balancing national interests with the collective objectives of the organization.

A reassessment of protocols and programs is also imperative, with a focus on implementing the easiest initiatives outlined in the AMU agenda while postponing more complex issues, such as establishing a free trade area, to a later stage.

Lastly, regional and international actors, particularly the European Union, must adopt a proactive and coordinated approach to support the AMU's economic development and paradigm shift towards integration. By fostering an environment conducive to cooperation and addressing underlying conflicts, the Maghreb dream of unity and prosperity may yet be realized.

As the Maghreb region stands at a crossroads, the choice is clear: embrace a path of collaboration and mutual understanding or succumb to the weight of historical grievances and missed opportunities. The revitalization of the AMU and the pursuit of regional integration offer a beacon of hope, a chance to harness the collective potential of these nations and forge a brighter future for generations to come.