Gustavo de Arístegui: Rapprochement between Morocco and Algeria, the best solution to tackle the treats from Sahel

According to the Spanish diplomat, Gustavo de Arístegui, his countries’ change in authority on the Western Sahara will put an end to the tragedy suffered by the populations in the Tindouf camps. He says that thousands of Saharawis living in Tindouf win because they have a glimpse of a solution.

Spain’s new position should inspire the whole world and lead to “a reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco” said Gustavo de Arístegui, diplomat and international analyst, when speaking about a letter that President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez sent to the King of Morocco, Mohamed VI, in which Spain’s change of position on Western Sahara is reflected. As Spain changes its position and a diplomatic and political issue over the years is overcome, he expects Morocco to provide guarantee on territorial waters and migration.

Gustavo de Arístegui asserts that the stability of the Sahel is fundamental for Morocco. “We are already seeing that terrorist groups are increasingly involved with each other, organised crimes ends up being allied with each other, traffickers in human beings, drugs, arms… recruitment also takes place among young Saharawis who are idle, well paid and have been indoctrinated, this is the sad reality that takes place in Sahel.” Gustavo pleads for a rapprochement between Morocco and Algeria to tackle together the treats coming from Sahel. “The longer the disagreement between Morocco and Algeria lasts, the easier it will be for these terror groups to be effective in their criminal activity”, Gustavo points out.

Gustavo Manuel de Arístegui is a Spanish politician,
 diplomat and an international analyst. 

Explaining the Spain-Morocco relationship, Gustavo underlines, “After the migratory tensions of six months ago in this part, it seems that there are some attempts at rapprochement between the two countries”. As Gustavo addresses the Russia – Ukraine issue in Herrera at COPE, one of the most important problems that are developing right now, he feels that it is normal that there is the closeness between Morocco and Spain. The expert sees that going towards a solution where neither of the countries give up their traditional positions would be ideal. But “a change in the position of Spain could weaken and it is more convenient to use gestures of rapprochement” adds the former MP.