Mauritania Walks a Diplomatic Tightrope in the Western Sahara Dispute
Mauritania’s President, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, sent a clear message at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly: his country is prioritizing neutrality in the ongoing Western Sahara conflict. Dedicating a mere 10 seconds of his speech to the issue, Ghazouani stated, “We reiterate our unwavering position regarding the Sahara conflict. We support the efforts of the United Nations and all relevant Security Council resolutions to reach a lasting and sahara-autonomy-plan/” title=”Finland Backs Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara”>mutually acceptable solution.”
This brevity speaks volumes, particularly in light of the strained relationship between Mauritania and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement seeking independence for the territory. Ghazouani, currently holding the rotating presidency of the African Union, notably omitted any mention of the Union’s potential role in resolving the conflict. This silence was perceived by the Polisario Front as a deliberate snub, further fueling tensions.
This diplomatic dance at the UN is just the latest development in a series of events highlighting the growing distance between Mauritania and the Polisario Front. Earlier this year, despite pressure from Algeria, a key Polisario Front ally, Ghazouani extended an invitation to Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali to attend his inauguration but refrained from formally receiving him. Adding fuel to the fire, Nouakchott declined an invitation to a Polisario Front-organized seminar in Geneva titled “Occupation and Self-Determination: A Comparison Between the Sahara and Palestine.” This refusal further deepened the rift between the two parties.
These events underscore the delicate balancing act Mauritania faces regarding the Western Sahara. Nouakchott is striving to maintain cordial relations with all regional stakeholders without becoming directly entangled in the conflict. Despite persistent pressure from Algeria and the Polisario Front, Mauritania appears to be charting a more neutral course, opting to support UN-led efforts and reaffirm relevant UN resolutions.
This neutral stance is particularly significant given the geopolitical landscape of the region. The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been contested territory for decades. Morocco claims sovereignty over the region, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to fight for self-determination. This conflict has strained relations between Morocco and Algeria, with both countries vying for influence in the region.
Mauritania, sandwiched between these two regional powers, is understandably wary of being drawn into their rivalry. By emphasizing its neutrality and support for a UN-brokered solution, Mauritania aims to safeguard its own stability and security while encouraging a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.
