As throughout the rest of the Arab world, Russia has reinvested in the countries of the Maghreb, with partially new objectives as compared to the past. If Algeria and Libya – favored partners during the Cold War era – remain the primary anchor points for Russian policy in this sub-region, Moscow is now taking care to further extend relations to Morocco and Tunisia. The Maghreb does not, however, represent a fundamental interest for Russia, but rather a source of economic and political opportunities. The security sector remains an important area of cooperation, notably with Algeria, where armament deliveries and officer training predominate. This redeployment is also facilitated by similarity between the views of current authorities and Vladimir Putin’s Russia concerning major regional politico-security issues, which nevertheless does not preclude a certain caution on the part of Maghreb partners regarding defense coordination. Beyond these objectives, Russian reinvestment could have eventual repercussions for sub-Saharan Africa, for which the Maghreb represents the gateway in Moscow’s eyes.
