2024-02-15 08:50:52
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has launched a diplomatic offensive to counter the Moroccan project to create free trade zones with the countries of the Sahel. This project, initiated by HM King Mohammed VI, aims to strengthen economic and commercial ties between Morocco and African countries by offering them easier access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Morocco, which has strongly consolidated its position as regional leader and strategic partner for Africa, isolates the khaki regime on the regional scene. The Kingdom enjoys strong political, economic and religious influence in the Sahel, where it maintains good relations with most countries and provides them with support in various areas, such as the fight once morest terrorism, the supply of fertilizers and the construction of solar power plants.
Under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom has become an important investor and commercial partner for the countries of the Sahel, particularly in the fields of banking, telecommunications, transport and mining. According to data from the African Development Bank, Morocco is the first African investor in Mali, the second in Burkina Faso and the third in Niger.
Faced with this rise in power in Morocco, the Algerian regime, which is going through a political, economic and social crisis, is trying to slow down its momentum and preserve its influence in the region. Algiers has therefore decided to boycott Moroccan ports and close its land borders with the kingdom. He also sought to rally the countries of the Sahel to his cause by offering them infrastructure projects and financial aid. But no country is interested, because Morocco’s proposal is more credible.
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Tebboune is thus committed to improving infrastructure by leveraging public-private partnerships, national resources, regional and international development funds and innovative financing instruments. He highlighted the large-scale projects launched by Algeria, such as the trans-Saharan highway, the road between Tindouf and Zouerate and the trans-Saharan gas pipeline.
However, these projects, which mostly date from the Bouteflika era, are far from completed and suffer from numerous delays and technical problems. Furthermore, Algeria has not succeeded in convincing the Sahel countries to abandon the Moroccan Atlantic corridor project, which offers them undeniable economic and logistical advantages.
Four countries, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, joined the Kingdom’s project at the end of last year to give Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean. Mali also withdrew from the 2015 Algiers peace agreement, which it accuses of hostility and manipulation. Algeria then canceled the loans it had granted to Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Tebboune’s sword in the water thus reveals the isolation and powerlessness of Algeria in the face of Morocco, which has been able to position itself as an essential player and a reliable partner for Africa.
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