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Maghreb countries remain divided over Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League, though recent moves by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE have accelerated normalization.
Algeria has long supported Syria’s return and used the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake as an opening for President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to reconnect with Bashar al-Assad after a decade. However, Algeria lacked the regional influence to lead reconciliation, leaving Saudi Arabia and its allies to drive the process. Assad’s visits to the UAE and Oman, plus high-profile meetings with Saudi officials, marked a turning point.
Tunisia, once a champion of Assad’s isolation, has reversed course. The Ennahda-led government in 2012 hosted the “Friends of Syria” conference and cut ties, but today Tunis has reopened its embassy, appointed an ambassador, and welcomed Syria’s foreign minister. The U-turn reflects President Kais Saied’s push to reset foreign policy and confront Tunisia’s legacy of thousands of citizens joining extremist groups in Syria.
Morocco remains cautious, maintaining its 2012 break with Damascus. Analysts suggest Rabat may resume ties only if Syria supports its stance on Western Sahara, a sticking point with rival Algeria.
Mauritania never cut ties and has consistently backed Assad, even while hosting U.S.-led AFRICOM military drills.
Libya presents a complicated picture: the Tripoli-based government engages Assad diplomatically, while forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar have used Syrian mercenaries, deepening divisions.
Overall, the Maghreb’s role in Syria’s Arab return has been mixed—sometimes deepening its crisis, but now shifting towards cautious normalization in line with broader Arab consensus.
