Algeria changes its ambassador to Mauritania at short notice

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed out of the blue Amin Abderrahmane Saïd-Abdessameud as Algeria’s new ambassador to Mauritania, as part of a reshuffle of Algerian diplomatic representatives.

Before this appointment, Saïd-Abdessameud held the position of charge d’affaires at the Algerian embassy in Egypt. He succeeds Mohamed Benattou, recently recalled to Algiers after having served as ambassador in Nouakchott since September 2021.

Mr. Benattou himself replaced Nourredine Khandoudi, stationed in Mauritania from 2014 to 2021.

This diplomatic movement comes in a context where regional relations are experiencing significant developments. In this regard, it is appropriate to recall the official visit made by the Mauritanian President, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, to Morocco in December 2024, a trip which marked a notable rapprochement between Rabat and Nouakchott.

During this visit, Mr. Ould Ghazouani and King Mohammed VI discussed various subjects of common interest, including the strengthening of trade, security cooperation and regional issues. The two countries will reactivate their joint committees from 2025.