A routine military cooperation meeting between Morocco and Mauritania in Nouakchott has provoked sharp criticism from the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which interpreted the engagement as a challenge to its diplomatic stance.
The delegation from the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), led by Rear Admiral Khalil Bechri, met with Colonel Sidi Mohammed Hadid, head of communications for the Mauritanian General Staff.
The discussions, conducted within a traditional institutional framework, focused on bilateral military cooperation, exchange of communications expertise, and formalities such as signing minutes, exchanging gifts, and taking commemorative photographs.
During the visit, a detailed map of Morocco, including its southern provinces, was presented—a standard practice in military meetings between neighbouring states.
However, the Polisario reacted strongly, denouncing what it called a “position” by Nouakchott in favour of Rabat. Its media outlets warned against “any recognition, explicit or implicit” of Moroccan sovereignty and suggested that the meeting could disturb regional balance.
Observers argue that the Polisario’s reaction reflects its growing diplomatic isolation.
The separatist movement, heavily supported by Algeria, has increasingly sought to keep the Sahara issue in international headlines despite diminishing international backing.
In contrast, Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara is gaining recognition globally.
The United States, France, Spain, and a growing number of African and Arab countries now view the plan as the most practical and sustainable solution.
The opening of Moroccan consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla has further reinforced Rabat’s international legitimacy.
“The Nouakchott meeting illustrates the consolidation of a Moroccan-Mauritanian partnership focused on regional stability,” analysts note, “while highlighting the declining influence of a separatist movement increasingly reliant on external support.”
The developments underscore a broader diplomatic shift in the region.
Morocco’s growing engagement with neighbouring states and the international community strengthens its position on the Sahara issue, while the Polisario faces mounting isolation and diminishing leverage in regional affairs.
The meeting thus serves as a clear signal of Morocco and Mauritania’s commitment to cooperation, even as the Polisario struggles to maintain relevance amid evolving geopolitical realities.
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