Algeria’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Saïd Chengriha, made a historic visit to Mauritania this week, meeting with his counterpart, Lieutenant General Mokhtar Bellah Chaabane, to address regional security concerns. This marks the first time an Algerian military leader of Chengriha’s rank has visited Mauritania, signaling both nations’ heightened focus on countering shared security threats from the volatile Sahel region.
Discussions between the two generals centered on the challenges posed by terrorism, smuggling, and illegal migration along their shared 460-kilometre border. According to Algeria’s Ministry of National Defence, the talks also covered broader security risks facing the region, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to closer military collaboration.
The timing of Chengriha’s visit is significant, following Algeria’s concerns over Mauritania’s increasing military ties with NATO. However, despite these tensions, the meeting fostered optimism about renewed cooperation.
A Mauritanian official emphasized the importance of the dialogue, particularly in light of Algeria’s strained relations with Mali and Niger, two Sahel countries now governed by military regimes. Algeria’s diplomatic influence in the region has been weakened since Mali’s military government annulled the 2015 Algiers accords with northern separatist groups in August.
The ongoing instability in the Sahel, fueled by extremist groups and criminal networks, continues to affect neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Niger, making regional security partnerships increasingly critical.
