The reaffirmation of Libya’s attachment to the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) is of particular importance in a regional context where cooperation and integration are essential to face various socio-economic and political challenges. The UMA, founded in 1989, is a regional organization bringing together five Maghreb countries: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. Its main objective is to promote political, economic and cultural cooperation between its members.
The representative reiterated his country’s desire to reactivate the Arab Maghreb Union, stressing that this objective requires collaboration and coordination between all members of the AMU.
The tripartite summit in Tunis on April 22 resulted in the adoption of a declaration by the presidents of Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. They agreed to form joint task forces to coordinate efforts to secure borders against irregular migration and organized crime. The text calls for a convergence of views on the issue of irregular migration, criticizing the inhumane treatment of African migrants by Algeria and Tunisia. It also highlights the importance of a united voice in regional and international forums. The countries invite Mauritania to join their initiative. Mauritania, however, has so far avoided meetings on the Maghreb project excluding Morocco. The next summit of the three countries will take place in Tripoli.
Libya’s desire to reactivate the AMU demonstrates an awareness of the importance of regional integration in resolving problems common to Maghreb countries, such as security, economic development and political stability. This approach is also part of efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations between countries in the region.
The multiple statements emanating from the Libyan Presidential Council, notably those of President Younes Al-Menfi and First Vice-President Moussa Al-Kouni, underline the country’s firm commitment to the objectives and principles of the AMU. These declarations were accompanied by concrete actions, such as meetings between Libyan representatives and AMU officials in Tunis and Rabat, as well as the sending of diplomatic messages to the leaders of the organization’s member countries.
As a reminder, on April 23, the president of the CPL, Younès Al-Menfi, sent a written message to King Mohammed VI, followed the next day by a meeting in Rabat between the first vice-president of the government of national unity, Hussein Atiya El Katrani, and the secretary general of the UMA, Taïeb Baccouche. This legitimacy is contested by Algeria. Additionally, Al-Menfi sent a similar message to the President of Mauritania on April 24.
The talks between Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, and Moussa Al-Kouni are of particular importance, because they demonstrate the desire of the two countries to strengthen their cooperation within the framework of the AMU. These discussions, held on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, organized in Banjul on May 4 and 5, also illustrate the importance of regional diplomacy in promoting peace, stability and development in the Maghreb region.
