Algeria had effectively declared the death of the Arab Maghreb Union and was trying to create an alternative mechanism, fueled by the rivalry between Algiers and Rabat over the Sahara issue. Tunisia, which initially seemed to agree with this new Maghreb Union, now seems to be changing course.

Read also: Tunisia organizes Maghreb summit without Morocco

The crisis between Tunisia and Morocco was exacerbated by the official reception of Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali by Tunisian President Kais Saied at the TICAD summit, without an invitation from the organizing Japan. Following Ben Salem’s appointment and the support of Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar stated that the new alliance aims primarily to address common security challenges.

In an interview with Morning news Ammar stressed that the alliance is a “consultative mechanism” to improve cooperation and not a substitute for the Arab Maghreb Union. He described it as a “strategic choice and a civilizational victory” that Tunisia and other member states are trying to achieve despite the obstacles.

Ammar added that the tripartite consultation mechanisms aim to build relations with other countries and regional and international groups on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs. He stressed that the alliance is open to any sincere political will that shares the same priorities, far from the politics of axes and the risks of external interventions.

Read also: The Maghreb Union without Morocco: Libya rejects the Algerian project

This clarification from Tunisia comes not only after the appointment of a Tunisian as Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union, but also after the absence of Mauritania and the rapid withdrawal of Libya from the Algerian plan.