Latest news with #HousseinOuldMeddou
Ya Biladi
a day ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Mauritanian and Algerian armies meet in Tindouf after Polisario attacks on Es-Smara
A few days after the Polisario's rocket attacks on Es-Smara, a Mauritanian army delegation traveled to Tindouf to meet with Algerian military officials. Officially, the June 30 meeting aimed to «assess the security situation along the shared border during the first half of 2025», according to a statement from the Mauritanian army. Discussions also focused on measures to «strengthen coordination between border units, activate joint intelligence efforts to combat terrorism, smuggling, illegal immigration, and unauthorized gold prospecting, and ensure the security of Algerian companies working on the road project linking Tindouf to Zouerate», the statement added. The meeting came just three days after the Polisario launched projectiles on June 27 targeting civilian areas in Es-Smara, including a MINURSO site. As in previous incidents, Polisario fighters reportedly crossed into Mauritanian territory, specifically the Lebriga region bordering Tindouf, before firing missiles at Moroccan positions. Back in May, the Mauritanian government had already announced the closure of the Lebriga area, citing domestic security concerns. «This is a sovereign security policy aimed at controlling border crossings and securing national territory», stated Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, and government spokesperson. «This measure has no political significance and is not directed at any specific party. It is part of a consistent state policy to protect national sovereignty», he added. In recent weeks, the Lebriga region has seen rising tensions involving Mauritanian and Algerian troops, as well as Polisario militias. Mauritania is seeking a stronger commitment from Algeria to help secure the area.
Ya Biladi
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Mauritania defends Lebriga closure amid Polisario pressure
The Mauritanian government has defended its decision, made in May, to close the Lebriga region on the border with Algeria. «This is a domestic security measure aimed at controlling crossings and securing the borders», said Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, and spokesperson for the Mauritanian government, in an interview with France 24 Arabic. «This decision has no political motivations and does not target any specific party. It is part of a broader, long-standing state strategy to safeguard national sovereignty», he added. Mauritania's response comes amid pressure from the Polisario Front, which has been seeking access for its armed fighters through the Lebriga zone to launch attacks on Moroccan positions east of the Sand Wall. A Polisario delegation even traveled to Nouakchott on May 30 in an attempt to persuade President Mohamed Cheikh Ould El Ghazouani to reopen the zone, an effort that failed.
