Algeria and Mauritania Strengthen Economic and Security Ties
Algeria and Mauritania are enhancing their political and economic relations, focusing on trade, security cooperation, and regional stability. This revitalization of ties has been marked by multiple high-level visits and agreements aimed at addressing the challenges in the Sahara and Sahel regions of West Africa. Since President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani took office in 2019, he has visited Algeria five times, culminating in a recent visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Mauritania for an African Union conference on education and youth employability.
Tebboune's visit was significant as it was the first by an Algerian president to Nouakchott since 1987, highlighting the growing importance of bilateral relations. The two countries have signed numerous agreements covering economic, social, cultural, political, and security fields, with trade volume increasing dramatically from $50 million in 2018 to an expected $700 million in 2023. This surge in trade is attributed to Mauritania's increasing demand for Algerian goods and the opening of the first border crossing between the two nations in 2018.
Strategic Infrastructure and Security Cooperation
A key infrastructure project currently underway is the construction of a strategic road linking Tindouf, Algeria, to Zouerate, Mauritania. This $600 million project, involving ten Algerian companies, aims to facilitate trade and access to the African market. Algeria views Mauritania as a vital transit corridor to West African markets, which have a combined local production of approximately $800 billion and a population of 400 million.
In addition to economic collaboration, Algeria and Mauritania face significant security challenges due to their shared 460-kilometer border, which is affected by armed groups and organized crime. Both nations are committed to enhancing border security and conducting joint patrols to combat terrorism and trafficking. Recent meetings between military leaders from both countries have emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address these threats, particularly in light of the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region.
The collaboration between Algeria and Mauritania is seen as crucial for regional stability, with analysts noting that strengthening their relationship could have positive implications for the broader Maghreb and African regions.
