Libya reiterates its opposition to the Maghreb Union without Morocco

The reaffirmation of Libya’s commitment to the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) is of particular importance in a regional context where cooperation and integration are essential to face various socio-economic and political challenges. UMA, founded in 1989, is a regional organization that brings together five Maghreb countries: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. Its main goal is to promote political, economic and cultural cooperation among its members.

The representative reiterated his country’s desire to reactivate the Arab Maghreb Union, stressing that this goal requires cooperation and coordination among all AMU members.

The tripartite summit in Tunis on April 22 resulted in the adoption of a declaration by the presidents of Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. They agreed to form joint working groups to coordinate efforts to secure borders against irregular migration and organized crime. The text calls for a convergence of views on the issue of irregular migration, criticizing the inhumane treatment of African migrants by Algeria and Tunisia. It also emphasizes the importance of a united voice in regional and international forums. The countries invite Mauritania to join their initiative. Mauritania, however, has so far avoided meetings on the Maghreb project, excluding Morocco. The next summit of the three countries will be held in Tripoli.

Libya’s desire to reactivate the AMU shows awareness of the importance of regional integration in solving problems common to the Maghreb countries, such as security, economic development and political stability. This approach is also part of efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations between countries in the region.

Multiple statements emanating from the Libyan Presidential Council, particularly those of President Younes Al-Menfi and First Vice President Moussa Al-Kouni, underscore the country’s firm commitment to the goals and principles of the AMU. These declarations were followed by concrete actions, such as meetings of Libyan representatives and AMU officials in Tunis and Rabat, as well as sending diplomatic messages to the leaders of member countries of the organization.

Let us remind you that on April 23, CPL President Younès Al-Menfi sent a written message to King Mohammed VI, and the next day there was a meeting in Rabat between the first vice president of the Government of National Unity, Hussein Atiya El Katrani, and the Secretary General of the UMA, Taïeb Baccouche. Algeria disputes this legitimacy. In addition, Al-Menfi sent a similar message to the President of Mauritania on April 24.

The talks between Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, and Moussa Al-Kouni are of particular importance, as they show the desire of the two countries to strengthen cooperation within the AMU. These discussions, held on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit organized in Banjul on May 4 and 5, also illustrate the importance of regional diplomacy in promoting peace, stability and development in the Maghreb region.