A road that is to be built between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou for completion in 2007 is to complete the Trans-Saharan highway linking Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. Because it will strengthen Mauritania's two major economic poles, this road might further increase a geographical imbalance within the country. The construction of the road will likely also lead to a new regional configuration according to which Rabat will be induced to place its political relationship with Nouakchott and Dakar on the forefront of its African policy.