Emerging regional shift: Mauritania's new alignment in the Sahara dispute

Saturday 18 January 2025 - 14:30

Mauritania's stance on the Sahara conflict appears to be shifting, marking a significant regional change. The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, is expected to visit Mauritania in a historic trip that could alter regional dynamics. This visit is not just about bilateral relations but seems to signal a coordinated regional strategy. The UAE's interest in expanding influence in West Africa and solidifying ties with Morocco through major projects in infrastructure and energy is evident.

Mauritania, once a neutral player in the Sahara issue, has been facing increasing tensions with Algeria. Diplomatic relations have soured, highlighted by Algeria’s decision to downgrade its embassy in Mauritania and recent tensions over media freedom. The situation worsened with the mysterious death of Mauritania’s presidential bodyguard in 2024, raising suspicions and further straining relations.

The UAE’s involvement has strengthened ties with both Morocco and Mauritania, with the UAE openly supporting Morocco’s stance on the Sahara issue, including the opening of a consulate in Laâyoune. This support signals a shift in Mauritania’s neutrality as the UAE has become an influential partner, particularly in economic and political matters.

Algeria has expressed its opposition to the UAE’s involvement, accusing it of destabilizing activities in regional conflicts, including in Libya and the Sahel, and strengthening its ties with Morocco. The growing cooperation between Morocco, Mauritania, and the UAE may offer a counter to Algeria’s increasing isolation, signaling a new strategic alignment. For Mauritania, this shift presents economic opportunities and a diplomatic safeguard against Algerian pressure.

If this realignment is confirmed, it could lead to a significant transformation in regional geopolitics, marking the rise of a Morocco-Mauritania-UAE axis and the further diplomatic and economic isolation of Algeria.