Algeria Loses Four Major Allies in One Month
The Algerian military regime finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage after losing four key allies, all of whom support the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Polisario: Syria, Mauritania, Ecuador and Ghana, in the space of a month.
The Algerian military regime finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage after losing four key allies, all of whom support the SADR and Polisario: Syria, Mauritania, Ecuador and Ghana, in the space of a month.
Syria: Fallout from Assad’s Downfall
On December 8, the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime sent shockwaves through the region. Leaked documents implicated Algerian intelligence services in war crimes committed during the Syrian civil war. These revelations prompted the military regime in Algiers to try to bribe the new leadership, and use former regime members to capture the lost documents. At the same time, Morocco anticipated the situation, supported the population and forged constructive ties with the new Syrian leadership.
Mauritania: A Strategic Shift
Barely a month ago, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune began a visit to Mauritania, his first in 37 years. The last similar visit was made in 1987 by Chadli Bendjedid to the Mauritanian town of Nouadhibou to inaugurate an oil refinery. A few days later, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani reappeared for a state visit with Moroccan King Mohammed VI. Discussions resulted in a strategic partnership between Mauritania and Morocco. Algeria reacted by replacing its ambassador to Mauritania, Mohamed Benattou, with Amin Abderrahmane Saïd, a low-ranking chargé d’affaires. This diplomatic downgrading, which could be called a “disguised recall”, demonstrates a significant deterioration in relations.
A few days after Tebboune’s visit to Mauritania, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani met King Mohammed VI in Casablanca, carried out a major military and security reshuffle, and announced that he would enlist the help of the United Arab Emirates for satellite surveillance of the borders with Algeria.
On December 27, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani announced a major reshuffle of the Mauritanian military and security hierarchy, marking a strategic turning point in the country’s defense policy. The measures include the appointment of General Mohamed Vall Ould Raïs as the new Chief of Staff of the armed forces and the retirement of Lieutenant General Mokhtar Bella Chaabane, as well as six other key appointments in the defense and security sectors. These decisions appear to be a direct response to Algeria’s increasing provocations, notably its attempts at regional destabilization. A reported incident involving an incursion by Algerian forces just 8 km from the Mauritanian border is said to have been the trigger, fuelling fears that Algeria could provoke the Polisario into undertaking an incursion or attempt to control territory, risking a regional conflagration. In early January, Mauritania also announced that it would receive support from the United Arab Emirates.
Ecuador: Withdrawal of Polisario Recognition
In a major diplomatic shift, Ecuador announced its withdrawal of recognition for the Polisario Front and the self-proclaimed RASD. This decision followed a call between Ecuadorian and Moroccan foreign ministers, during which Ecuador affirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. Ecuador also formally notified the Polisario’s annex in the country, marking a significant blow to Algeria’s pro-Polisario agenda. Analysts note that Ecuador’s decision is part of a broader trend of Latin American countries reassessing their positions on the Western Sahara conflict, influenced by Morocco’s growing economic and political outreach in the region.
Ghana: African Union Dynamics
Ghana joined the trend, announcing its decision to suspend relations with the Polisario Front and reaffirm its commitment to a United Nations-led resolution of the Sahara dispute. In an official note, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry informed the Polisario’s representatives in Accra of the suspension, emphasizing the need to “remove any impediment” to the UN-led process. This shift aligns with a growing number of African nations supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara. The military regime of Algiers is increasingly perceived as a destabilizing actor, employing confrontational and hostile rhetoric far removed from efforts towards sustainable development. Meanwhile, countries such as Mauritania and Ghana are forging strong economic partnerships with Morocco, relying on regional stability for growth and influence.
Domestically, Algeria faces economic stagnation, youth unemployment exceeding 30%, and protests against deteriorating living conditions and stifled freedom of speech and basic human rights. Internationally, its reliance on outdated Cold War-era diplomatic strategies is increasingly viewed as counterproductive. Analysts warn that Algeria’s attempt to position itself as a regional power broker is failing, particularly as Morocco strengthens its alliances in Africa and beyond through economic and infrastructural initiatives such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
By: Abderrahmane Fares
