Tunisian Diplomat Tarek Ben Salem Appointed Secretary-General of Arab Maghreb Union

Tunisian diplomat Tarek Ben Salem has been appointed Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) for a three-year term starting June 1, 2024. This decision was suggested by Tunisian President Kais Saied and approved by the leaders of the AMU member countries in accordance with the 1989 treaty establishing the union.

Ben Salem will succeed his compatriot Taieb Baccouche, who has held the position since 2016. Prior to his appointment, Ben Salem served in the capacity of Ambassador to the Russian Federation and has been a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1990.

The appointment of a new Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union has significant implications for regional cooperation and economic development in North Africa. This development could lead to increased collaboration and stability in the region, which is vital for addressing pressing issues such as extremism and economic inequality.

The Arab Maghreb Union, founded in 1989, consists of five member countries: Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. The union aims to promote economic and political cooperation among its member states.

The appointment of Ben Salem comes after tensions between Algeria and the AMU, particularly regarding the term of the previous Secretary-General, Taieb Baccouche. Algeria had objected to Baccouche's extended term, and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf had stated that the AMU 'has no activity, not even a secretary general with the prerogatives of a secretary general.'

The position of Secretary-General traditionally rotates among AMU member states, with Tunisia currently holding the slot. Ben Salem's appointment was made five weeks after a meeting in Tunis focused on the Algerian proposal for a UMA structure that excludes Morocco.

Maghreb politicians have praised the new appointment, considering it an important step to put the Maghreb Union back on track. Ahmed Onis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, described Tarek Ben Salem as a 'reliable ambassador who believes in the message of the Maghreb' and a 'good mediator' who can overcome obstacles hindering the Union's functioning.

The new Secretary-General will face challenges in achieving effective communication between Maghreb country leaders, particularly since Algeria has expressed doubts about the Union's relevance. Ben Salem will also need to prioritize key files, including opening up the Union and its institutions, contributing to regional integration, and resolving the Sahara issue.

A Libyan official source commented that the new appointment comes within the framework of revitalizing the Maghreb Union to participate in regional issues, particularly in light of the rapid growth of extremist groups in the region. The source noted that the Maghreb Union has played a non-existent role in many regional issues and has not been effective in addressing them.

Tarek Ben Salem's appointment as Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union marks a significant development in the region's leadership. His term, starting June 1, 2024, will be closely watched as he tackles the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Tunisian diplomat Tarek Ben Salem appointed Secretary-General of Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) for 3-year term.
• Ben Salem succeeds Taieb Baccouche, who held the position since 2016.
• Appointment aims to increase regional cooperation and stability in North Africa.
• Ben Salem faces challenges in achieving effective communication between Maghreb country leaders.
• His term starts June 1, 2024, and will focus on regional integration and resolving key issues.