UMA/AMU - Arab Maghreb Union

History and Background

The idea for an economic union of the Maghreb UMA began with the independence of  Tunisia and Morocco in 1956. It was not until thirty years later, though, that five Maghreb states- Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia - met for the first Maghreb summit. The following year, in 1989, the agreement was formally signed by all member nations. According to the Constitutive Act, its aim is to guarantee cooperation “with similar regional institutions… [to] take part in the enrichment of the international dialogue…[to] reinforce the independence of the member states and …[to] safeguard…their assets….” Strategic relevance of the region is based on the fact that, collectively, it boasts large phosphate, oil, and gas and it is a transit centre to southern Europe. The success of the Union would, therefore be economically important. Within the Arab Maghreb Union [AMU] there is a rotating chairmanship, which is held in turn by each nation. The current secretary-general is senior Tunisian diplomat Habib Ben Yahia.

The Arab Maghreb Union Secretariat offices are based in Rabat, Morocco