Diplomatic and Economic Tensions in Northwest Africa: Morocco Counters Algerian-Mauritanian Maneuvers
Recent tensions in Northwest Africa involve Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, primarily due to Mauritania's customs duty hike on Moroccan imports. Algeria's president visited Mauritania to synergize against Morocco's influence. In response, Morocco launched a maritime route to strengthen trade with West Africa, highlighting shifting regional dynamics and international support.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Recent events in Northwest Africa have highlighted the growing geopolitical and economic rivalries between Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. These developments underscore the strategic importance of the region and the efforts of each country to strengthen its position.
Customs Duty Increase and Presidential Visit
Mauritania recently imposed a significant increase in customs duties on vegetables imported from Morocco, raising them from 40,000 to 88,000 old ouguiyas for a small cargo. This decision has caused tensions between the two countries and had an immediate impact on trade exchanges.
In this context, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Mauritania took on particular significance. According to L'Algérie Nouvelle, this visit aimed to "reinforce the isolation of Morocco, accused of hindering the Arab Maghreb Union." This allegation suggests coordination between Algeria and Mauritania to limit Morocco's economic influence in West Africa.
Morocco's Response: A New Maritime Route
Facing these challenges, Morocco swiftly reacted by announcing the launch of a direct maritime line between Agadir and Dakar, in partnership with the British company Atlas Marine. This strategic initiative aims to bypass land obstacles and strengthen Morocco's trade links with West Africa, particularly Senegal.
The new maritime line, expected to be operational by early 2025, will allow the transport of cargo trucks and passengers, with a journey time of 52 hours. This ambitious project aligns with Morocco's vision of becoming a major logistics hub between Europe and Africa.
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
This series of events highlights several important dynamics:
- Regional Rivalry: The apparent rapprochement between Algeria and Mauritania seems to aim at countering Morocco's growing influence in the region.
- Diversification of Trade Routes: The new Agadir-Dakar maritime line illustrates Morocco's desire to reduce its dependence on land routes and overcome diplomatic obstacles.
- International Support: Morocco's partnership with a British company for this maritime project underlines its ability to mobilize international support.
- Economic Stakes: These developments will have a significant impact on trade flows in the region, particularly for agricultural products and consumer goods.
Outlook
As the diplomatic and economic tug-of-war continues, the future of relations between these Northwest African countries remains uncertain. Morocco's ability to maintain and develop its links with sub-Saharan Africa, despite obstacles, will be crucial for its regional strategy. Similarly, the evolution of the alliance between Algeria and Mauritania could reshape the balance of power in the region.
This complex situation underscores the growing importance of West Africa in the geopolitical and economic calculations of Maghreb countries, as well as the central role that transport infrastructure and trade agreements play in defining regional spheres of influence.
