Algeria-Mauritania Relations Cause Concern for Morocco

In a bid to counterbalance Algeria's increasing influence in the region, Morocco has announced plans to revive a dormant border crossing with Mauritania. The move comes as Algeria continues to strengthen its relations with Mauritania, a development that has raised concerns in Rabat. According to a retired diplomat, Morocco's efforts are aimed at distracting public attention from its own diplomatic challenges, including the recent normalization of ties with Israel.

Algeria and Mauritania have been bolstering their ties across various sectors, including politics, economy, and infrastructure. A key project in this regard is the Tindouf-Zouerate road, a 840-kilometer stretch that connects Algeria to Mauritania. This development has sparked Morocco to take action, with the kingdom announcing the rehabilitation of a border crossing with Mauritania. The crossing is seen as a strategic location, providing an alternative route to the Guerguerat border post, which was at the center of a crisis between Morocco and the Polisario Front in 2020.

The diplomatic efforts between Algeria and Mauritania extend beyond politics and economy. Recently, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mamun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani, a prominent Algerian academic, visited Mauritania to participate in the 39th International Conference on the Prophet's Biography. During his visit, he met with Mauritanian officials and scholars to discuss ways to enhance scientific and religious cooperation between the two nations. This people-to-people diplomacy is seen as an important aspect of Algeria's engagement with Mauritania.

High-level visits have been a regular feature of Algeria-Mauritania relations. In April 2026, Mauritanian Prime Minister Moukhtar Ould Ajeib visited Algeria, co-chairing a joint committee with his Algerian counterpart. Separately, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf met with his Mauritanian counterpart in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting. These interactions underscore the growing ties between the two nations.

A retired diplomat has suggested that Morocco's latest move may be an attempt to divert attention from its own diplomatic challenges, including the upgrading of diplomatic ties with Israel. The diplomat also questioned the feasibility of Morocco's project, citing the country's limited financial resources. Some observers believe that a third party may be backing Morocco's efforts, possibly referring to the United Arab Emirates.

The diplomatic developments have implications for Morocco's relations with other countries in the region. The kingdom's attempts to undermine Algeria's ties with Mauritania are seen as part of a broader strategy to counterbalance Algeria's growing influence. However, Morocco's efforts may be complicated by its own challenges, including a difficult relationship with Senegal, a country that was once considered a key ally.

The situation is further complicated by Morocco's involvement in Senegal's internal politics. The kingdom's support for President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye has raised concerns about its intentions, particularly given Faye's connections to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. A miscalculation by Morocco could have far-reaching consequences for its relations with Senegal and the wider region.

Key points

• Morocco's attempts to undermine Algeria's ties with Mauritania reflect its concerns about Algeria's growing influence in the region.
• Algeria and Mauritania have been strengthening their ties across various sectors, including politics, economy, and infrastructure.
• Morocco's efforts may be complicated by its own diplomatic challenges, including a difficult relationship with Senegal.