Mauritania Snubs Polisario Conference in Geneva: Algeria’s Presence Sparks Boycott
Mauritania Snubs Polisario Conference in Geneva, Prioritizing Ties with Morocco
In a move signaling a deepening rift between Mauritania and the Polisario Front, the Islamic Republic recently declined to participate in a conference hosted by the pro-independence group in Geneva. The conference, which saw attendance from Algeria and South Africa, aimed to garner international support for the Polisario’s claim over Western Sahara.
Mauritania’s decision to abstain from the event speaks volumes about its evolving foreign policy priorities, particularly its increasingly strong relationship with Morocco. The Western Sahara issue has long been a point of contention in the Maghreb region, with Morocco asserting its sovereignty over the territory and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, advocating for independence.
While Mauritania has traditionally maintained a neutral stance on the Western Sahara conflict, recent years have witnessed a noticeable tilt towards Morocco. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including:
Strengthened Economic Ties: Morocco has emerged as a key economic partner for Mauritania. Bilateral trade has flourished, with Morocco investing heavily in Mauritanian infrastructure and development projects.
Shared Security Concerns: Both nations face similar security challenges, particularly the threat of terrorism and organized crime emanating from the Sahel region. This shared concern has fostered closer security cooperation between the two countries.
* Morocco’s Autonomy Plan: Mauritania has expressed support for Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara, viewing it as a realistic and pragmatic solution to the protracted conflict.
Mauritania’s absence from the Geneva conference is a clear indication that it is unwilling to jeopardize its burgeoning relationship with Morocco. This decision further isolates the Polisario Front and underscores the growing international recognition of Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara issue.
It remains to be seen how this development will impact the future of the Western Sahara conflict. However, one thing is certain: Mauritania’s decision to prioritize its ties with Morocco will have significant geopolitical ramifications in the Maghreb region and beyond.
