MAGHREB ARAB UNION (MAU)

The MAU (in French: UMA) was created on 17 February 1989 at a meeting in Marrakesh of Heads of State of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

It does not have a fixed secretariat, but hitherto it has followed the order of rotation of the six-monthly presidency.

There are two other important aspects: the creation of a ten-member court, two members per country, to settle disputes between parties from member countries and a Maghreb Advisory body with 50 MPs as members.

In the past there were other attempts at broader cooperation between Maghreb countries and there were even economic and political unification projects. They were not successful due to the Western Sahara issue. Diplomatic initiatives of the United Nations Secretary-General and some Arab countries to help towards a solution to the issue created a favourable climate for the creation of the MAU, as a reaction to the prospect of the completion of the European Single Market after 1992.

The new Union has some advantages over previous attempts. First of all, more than a political union, the immediate objectives of the MAU are the free movement of goods and persones and a revision of customs regulations. There is also the possibility of a unit of account for inter-Maghreb trade. The agreement already concluded for the construction of a gas pipeline from Algeria to Spain via Morocco is a clear example of a mutual interest project.

Politically, the participation of Libya is very interesting. It would imply that Libya is integrating more into Arab policy in general. Improved relations between Algeria and Morocco is a further positive factor which can be observed from the way the two countries have been involved with Saudi Arabia in the Tripartite committee aiming at solving the Lebanese question.

MAU in figures:
Population: 62 million
GNP per capita (1988): US$ 1,780

(July 1991)