Niger rapprochement with Morocco makes Algerian junta extremely anxious
The Algerian regime has lost its leverage and credibility in the Sahel region, becoming untrustworthy for its southern neighboring countries due to its interference, support for separatism, and dirty-games serving agenda of former French colonial power.
On Wednesday, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine was received in Rabat by Moroccan peer Aziz Akhannouch. During the meeting, the envoy of the West African country handed a message from military ruler Gen. Abdourrahman Tiani to King Mohammed VI.
Niger’s message to the Monarch has sent shockwaves to the Algerian junta as Niamey is reaching out to Rabat to build a strategic partnership with the North African Kingdom.
The working visit of PM Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine to Morocco comes after the royal initiative launched to enable Sahel countries have access to the Atlantic, a project that will transform the economies of African land-locked countries and strengthen regional integration for shared peace and prosperity.
Niger and its neighboring Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali) have all applauded the Moroccan initiative which will reshape the region.
Mr. Lamine Zeine, who also serves a minister of economy and finances, arrived Monday in Morocco accompanied by a high-level delegation including the ministers of foreign affairs, Defense, and other senior officials, according to the announcement made by Niger’s government, sending a strong message to Algerian authorities.
In December, the foreign ministers of Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali attended in Marrakesh the first coordination meeting on the royal initiative for Atlantic Ocean access.
In a joint statement, the ministers thanked King Mohammed VI for this initiative, saying it shows the Monarch’s active solidarity with brotherly African countries in general and the Sahel in particular.
The ministers commended the inclusive and participatory approach in carrying out this initiative, affirming their common ambition to consolidate cooperation ties through joint multi-sectoral and innovative partnerships, reflecting the values of South-South cooperation and co-development.
