In worrying signs, tensions have been rising between the North African nations of morocco and Mauritania. Bilateral diplomatic ties have been cold to say the least – Mauritania currently doesn’t even have an ambassador in Morocco. It will be recalled that the Polisario has been fighting for an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in the Moroccan Sahara. This was exemplified by the Mauritanian army raising its national flag over the Moroccan Sahara town of Lagouira last December. Against this backdrop, for Mauritania to raise tensions with Morocco is highly counterproductive and threatens the stability of the region.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 20, 2016 10:18 UTC