Leaders of Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria Hold First Consultative Meeting to Form New Maghreb Bloc

On Monday, the leaders of Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria held their first consultative meeting at the Carthage Palace in Tunis, marking a collaborative effort among the three North African countries to address regional issues and strengthen their ties. The meeting was attended by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Libya's head of presidential council Mohamed Al-Menfi, and Tunisian President Kais Saied.

The purpose of the meeting was to form a new Maghreb bloc, which aims to further "security, stability and development throughout the region." The decision to hold this meeting was made during an energy summit in Algeria last month. Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar stated that the consultation should include economic and social developments, not just political issues.

The meeting also highlighted the "danger of foreign interference in the Sahel and the Sahara desert" and called for "absolute rejection to foreign interference in Libyan affairs" and "elections that safeguard Libyan unity and its territorial safety." Additionally, the leaders pledged to "protect shared borders from the dangers and impacts of irregular migration among other organised crime."

Notably absent from the meeting were Morocco and Mauritania, indicating that the new Maghreb bloc may not include all countries in the region. Some Moroccan media outlets have speculated that Algeria is trying to form a Maghreb alliance against its regional rival, Morocco. However, Algerian President Tebboune has assured that the new union is not directed against any other state and that the door is open to other countries in the region.

Why this matters: The formation of a new Maghreb bloc among Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria signifies a shift in regional dynamics and a potential realignment of power in North Africa. The collaborative effort to address security, stability, and development issues could have far-reaching implications for the region and its people.

The meeting emphasized the importance of safeguarding Libyan unity and territorial integrity, as well as protecting shared borders from the threats of irregular migration and organized crime. President Tebboune expressed his support for the Tunisian people and President Kais Saied, stating, "Tunisia will always remain standing, despite everything." The leaders agreed to hold these consultative meetings every three months, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing cooperation and dialogue.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders of Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria held first consultative meeting in Tunis.
• Meeting aimed to form a new Maghreb bloc to address regional issues and strengthen ties.
• Leaders called for rejection of foreign interference in Libya and protection of shared borders.
• Morocco and Mauritania were absent, raising speculation of an anti-Morocco alliance.
• Leaders agreed to hold these meetings every three months to promote ongoing cooperation.