A high-level Mauritanian security delegation’s recent visit to the Moroccan border at El Guerguerate signals a notable shift in Nouakchott’s long-held position on the strategic crossing. Traditionally viewed as an international passage, Mauritania now considers the area a bilateral point of contact with Morocco, a change reflected in the unprecedented presence of top security officials at the border post. The move comes as regional dynamics surrounding the Western Sahara continue to evolve following the recent UN Security Council resolution affirming Morocco’s autonomy plan [[1]].
Mauritania has signaled a shift in its approach to the border area of El Guerguerate, a region long considered an international passage, now viewed by Nouakchott as a bilateral point of contact with Morocco. This change was underscored by a high-level security delegation visit on Monday, led by the Director of Sureté and the Chief of the Gendarmerie, to the border at Kilometer 55, opposite the El Guerguerate crossing.
The visit marks the first time Mauritanian security and military officials of this rank have traveled to the Moroccan border, traditionally handled by customs officials dealing with technical issues, according to reports. “Jamais auparavant des responsables mauritaniens de cette envergure, issus des appareils sécuritaires et militaires, n’avaient visité les frontières avec le Maroc. Cette tâche était généralement confiée à de simples fonctionnaires des services douaniers chargés de résoudre des problèmes techniques.”
The move comes amid heightened regional focus on the Western Sahara, following the recent adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which affirmed the relevance of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the territory. The resolution is widely seen as a recognition of Morocco’s economic sovereignty in the region. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the evolving dynamics surrounding the disputed territory.
According to a media report based in Nouakchott, the delegation’s visit “témoigne d’une volonté claire de renforcer le contrôle et la sécurité à la frontière avec le Maroc.” The shift in policy suggests a strengthening of security cooperation between the two North African nations.
Further discussions are planned, with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announcing that a new session of the joint Moroccan-Mauritanian commission will be held in December, as reported to the Chamber of Representatives. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and regional stability.
“Ce déplacement marque un tournant dans la politique gouvernementale vis-à-vis du point d’El Guerguerate, que la Mauritanie considérait jusque-là comme un passage international. Désormais, Nouakchott le perçoit comme un point bilatéral,” explained journalist Cheikh Ahmed Lamine in statements to Yabiladi.
