The Maghreb region—comprising Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania—continues to face deep political divisions that hinder collective action. As of mid-2026, the region's main intergovernmental body, the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), remains largely inactive, with no summit held since 1994. The ongoing dispute over Western Sahara between Morocco and Algeria remains a major obstacle to regional integration.
Recent developments have underscored these divisions. In 2025, Algeria and Morocco continued to trade accusations over regional issues, including the Western Sahara conflict and alleged interference in internal affairs. The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994, and diplomatic relations were severed in August 2021. These tensions have prevented any meaningful progress on economic cooperation or joint security initiatives.
The impact of this fragmentation is evident in the region's economic performance. Intra-Maghreb trade accounts for less than 5% of the region's total trade, one of the lowest rates in the world. This lack of integration has hampered economic development and job creation, particularly among the region's youth. According to the World Bank, the Maghreb's GDP growth averaged around 3% in recent years, below the potential if regional cooperation were stronger.
Political instability in Libya and Tunisia further complicates the picture. Libya remains divided between rival governments, while Tunisia has faced political crises since 2021. These internal challenges have diverted attention from regional cooperation and allowed external powers to increase their influence in the region.
Analysts argue that without a resolution to the Western Sahara dispute and a renewed commitment to the AMU, the Maghreb will continue to lag behind other regional blocs. The lack of unity also weakens the region's negotiating position on issues like migration, security, and trade with the European Union.
