Geopolitical Briefing: North Africa (Excluding Egypt)
11 May 2025(El País)
- Algeria intensifies diplomatic opposition to U.S. support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, deepening regional polarization.
- Tunisia’s political crackdown escalates with mass trials targeting opposition figures, signaling further erosion of civil liberties.
- Libya faces renewed instability as U.S. deportation plans provoke unified governmental rejection amid ongoing security concerns.
- Mauritania strengthens border controls, intercepting 30,000 migrants and dismantling trafficking networks, amid international scrutiny.
- Morocco and Mauritania advance economic cooperation, potentially reshaping regional alliances and trade dynamics.(Morocco World News, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, El País)
Algeria has vehemently condemned the United States’ reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal in Western Sahara. The Algerian Foreign Ministry criticized this stance as undermining international law and the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. This development exacerbates existing tensions between Algeria and Morocco, rooted in the protracted dispute over Western Sahara. Algeria’s firm position underscores its commitment to regional self-determination and resistance to perceived external impositions, aligning with its broader strategic objectives of maintaining regional influence and countering rival narratives. (Anadolu Ajansı, وكالة الأنباء الصحراوية (واص))
In Tunisia, the government’s crackdown on dissent has intensified, with mass trials commencing against approximately 40 opposition figures, including politicians, lawyers, and media personnel. These individuals face charges ranging from plotting against state security to terrorism-related offenses. Human rights organizations have decried these proceedings as politically motivated, aimed at silencing criticism and consolidating President Kais Saied’s power. The erosion of judicial independence and suppression of civil liberties reflect a shift towards authoritarian governance, undermining democratic institutions and societal freedoms. (Al Jazeera, Human Rights Watch)
Libya’s fragile stability is further threatened by reports of the U.S. administration’s plans to deport migrants to the country, despite Libya’s rival governments denying any agreement to accept such deportees. Human rights groups have raised alarms over Libya’s dire conditions for migrants, including reports of abuse and torture in detention centers. The unified rejection by Libya’s competing administrations highlights a rare consensus, emphasizing national sovereignty and resistance to external pressures that could exacerbate internal divisions and humanitarian crises. (apnews.com, WSJ)
Mauritania has intensified its efforts to curb irregular migration, intercepting over 30,000 migrants and dismantling 80 trafficking networks between January and April 2025. These actions, supported by European Union cooperation, have led to a significant reduction in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands. However, the crackdown has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, citing concerns over the treatment of migrants and potential abuses. Mauritania’s measures reflect a strategic balancing act between securing international support and addressing domestic and regional security challenges. (El País)
Economic ties between Morocco and Mauritania have strengthened, with both nations exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation amid regional challenges. This partnership includes discussions on trade, infrastructure, and energy projects, signaling a potential shift in regional alliances. For Morocco, bolstering relations with Mauritania may serve to consolidate its position in Western Sahara, while Mauritania stands to benefit from economic diversification and increased investment. This collaboration underscores a pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy, focusing on mutual economic interests to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. (Morocco World News)
