Tebboune Appoints Special Diplomatic Advisor to Manage Regional Tensions, and Morocco Receives Praise from Sahel Countries
In an effort to manage its crises with neighboring countries, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has appointed a “special” diplomatic advisor, former ambassador Amar Aâbbas, in a notable move after six years of the position being vacant. This appointment comes amid rising tensions with neighboring countries, especially in the Sahel region, and increasing regional and international pressure on Algeria.
According to Algerian media reports, this appointment, made by presidential decree, marks the reactivation of a position that has remained vacant since Tebboune came to power in late 2019. This indicates Algeria’s desire to reorganize its diplomatic tools and address the growing external crises in recent times.
Reports have indicated that Amar Aâbbas is considered a “seasoned diplomat,” having held high-level diplomatic positions in Russia, the United Kingdom, and Belarus. He has also authored a book titled “Algerian Diplomacy 1962-2022,” in which he discussed the difference between foreign policy and diplomacy as an executive tool.
Observers believe that the appointment of a special diplomatic advisor is a direct response to the ongoing tensions in Algeria’s relations with countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have recently shown an increasing tilt towards Morocco and its strategic support.
In parallel with this Algerian move to repair its regional relationships, the Sahel States Confederation praised, during the Crans Montana Forum held in Casablanca this Thursday, Morocco’s steadfast support for these countries under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
According to the Maghreb Arab Press, Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Diop, emphasized in a speech on behalf of the foreign ministers of the Confederation the “leadership role” Morocco plays, highlighting the Kingdom’s significant openness to the issues of the Sahel and its commitment to realistic and sustainable approaches.
The Malian official also highlighted the royal initiative aimed at granting Sahel countries access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing it as a “strategic step that aligns with the region’s aspirations,” opening new economic and development opportunities that could enhance security and stability.
Diop confirmed in a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press that the countries of the Confederation—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—are fully engaged in this Moroccan initiative, due to its direct impact on connecting the region to international markets and encouraging regional industrialization.
According to African officials, this initiative aligns with the Sahel Confederation’s goals of implementing strategic projects in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, reflecting the growing divergence between Moroccan and Algerian views on the future of the Sahel.
This regional praise for Morocco comes at a time when Algeria is experiencing a decline in its political and diplomatic influence in the region, particularly following the incident where its army shot down a Malian military drone, which led to a significant diplomatic tension between Algeria and Bamako. This conflict also involved Niger and Burkina Faso, who joined Mali in this confrontation.
Relations between Algeria and Niger are also tense due to the expulsion by Algerian authorities, since early April, of thousands of migrants to Niger under difficult humanitarian conditions. This situation threatens to reignite a severe crisis between the two countries, similar to the one that occurred in April of last year over the same issue.
