Mauritania is actively enhancing its diplomatic relations with Morocco by dispatching its foreign minister to Rabat during a critical phase marked by security and political complexities for Nouakchott. The support from Rabat is deemed vital for Mauritania as it seeks to bolster its regional influence and international standing.
The momentum of high-level diplomatic exchanges between Mauritania and Morocco is evident. Following a recent visit from Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Investment, Karim Zidane, to Nouakchott, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani responded by sending Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug to deliver a message to King Mohammed VI in Rabat. This message was conveyed to Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, underscoring the importance of these discussions.
The meeting served as a platform for reaffirming the robust nature of Moroccan-Mauritanian relations. Both parties engaged in a thorough examination of the current state of bilateral cooperation and explored avenues for enhancing coordination between their countries, as stated by Morocco’s Foreign Ministry.
Ould Merzoug’s visit is particularly significant given the security concerns facing Mauritania, which has been intensifying measures to secure its borders with Algeria. The Mauritanian government is specifically focused on mitigating the risks posed by armed elements of the Polisario Front, who have been known to launch attacks against Moroccan positions situated west of the Sand Wall established by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
Additionally, recent actions by the Mauritanian military included the evacuation of Sahrawi gold prospectors from a buffer zone, which was promptly followed by a meeting in Tindouf between military officials from Algeria and Mauritania. This meeting aimed to address the urgent need for heightened border security.
Furthermore, Mauritania views Morocco as a potential mediator in its ongoing tensions with Mali. The foreign minister of Mauritania recently summoned Mali’s ambassador to express concerns regarding a demonstration that occurred outside the Mauritanian embassy in Bamako, which included violent rhetoric directed towards Mauritanians residing in Mali. Given its strong connections with both Nouakchott and Bamako, Rabat is in a unique position to help alleviate these rising tensions.
Coinciding with Ould Merzoug's visit, Mali’s Minister of Energy and Water, Tiemoko Traoré, also arrived in Rabat for discussions with Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka. Their talks centered on enhancing bilateral relations to address water management challenges, benefiting from Morocco’s expertise in this crucial area.
Beyond immediate security issues and tense relations with Mali, the diplomatic mission of Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug also aligns with Mauritania's aspirations to lead the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). With the 20th Francophonie Summit scheduled for November 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Mauritania is actively seeking support for its candidate, Coumba Bâ, who currently serves as an advisor to President Ghazouani, to assume the presidency of the OIF.
In this strategic context, Morocco's endorsement is crucial for Mauritania's ambitions. Notably, Rabat had previously supported Sidi Ould Tah in his candidacy for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB) earlier this year. This ongoing collaboration underscores the significance of Morocco's backing in Mauritania's broader diplomatic efforts, especially as Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently reached out to King Mohammed VI seeking support for his own candidate, Louise Mushikiwabo, who is vying for a third term at the helm of the OIF.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
