Tebboune, Saïed, and El-Menfi Agree to Quarterly Trilateral Meetings: Towards a New Maghreb Bloc?
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The grand gathering of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Algiers was not only a pivotal moment in the establishment of a robust gas exporting hub, marked by a notable convergence of views, but also an opportunity for certain attending officials to engage in sideline discussions. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune seized this occasion to meet with Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed and Libyan Presidential Council President Mohamed Younès El-Menfi.
During this tripartite meeting, held on the sidelines of the 7th GECF summit, the three leaders reviewed the outcomes of the forum, as stated in a press release from the presidency issued on Saturday. In addition to discussing the GECF summit results, the high-ranking officials delved into economic and security-related matters pertinent to the region.
According to the presidential statement, Tebboune, Saïed, and El-Menfi emphasized the necessity of unifying and intensifying efforts to address economic and security challenges, all in service of the interests of the people of the three countries. Notably, the discussions encompassed the broader Maghreb region, which has grappled with internal divisions and institutional dormancy for years.
While Tebboune has repeatedly called for revitalizing the Union of the Maghreb Arab, responses from other member states have been largely muted, with a Moroccan minister even suggesting the organization’s near demise, blaming Algeria for its failure. Faced with Morocco’s persistent obstructionism, Algeria has sought to strengthen bilateral ties with other UMA members, culminating in the trilateral meeting on Saturday, signaling a potential new regional organization.
The issues discussed by the three leaders, spanning economic integration and security threats, underscore the shared challenges facing Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The decision to hold quarterly trilateral Maghreb meetings, with the first slated for Tunisia after Ramadan, indicates a commitment to regular dialogue and collaboration. Additionally, Mauritania may join this initiative, given its existing close ties with Algeria.
In conclusion, amidst a global landscape favoring blocs to counteract hegemonic powers, particularly in economic spheres, the prospect of a new Maghreb organization appears both necessary and imperative. Such an initiative could serve as a platform for addressing regional challenges and promoting collective interests, ushering in a new era of cooperation and stability in the Maghreb.
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