In a controversial move, the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott welcomed Ibrahim Ghali, leader of the “Polisario Front”, to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Mauritanian President. Ghali arrived on an Algerian aircraft, in an event reminiscent of the similar reception he recently received in Tunisia.
Informed sources reported that Algerian authorities took precautionary measures before sending their official delegation to attend the ceremony. They first sent Ghali to ensure he would be received normally, before the arrival of the Algerian Prime Minister to participate in the inauguration ceremony.
This step is believed to aim at avoiding any embarrassing situation that the Algerian military regime might face, especially given the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the Western Sahara issue.
This development comes in the context of regional movements related to the Sahara file, where Algeria seeks to gain support from neighboring countries for its position, while Morocco continues its diplomatic efforts to assert its sovereignty over the territory.
This move raises questions about Mauritania’s stance on the conflict and its impact on its relations with both Morocco and Algeria. It may also lead to diplomatic reactions in the region, especially with the continuation of international efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
The reception of the Polisario leader in Mauritania adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate political landscape of the region. It highlights the ongoing tensions and the delicate balance that countries in the area must maintain in their diplomatic relations.
This event is likely to be closely watched by international observers and could potentially influence future negotiations and discussions regarding the Western Sahara issue.