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CWA # 1568, 31 December 2024
NIAS Africa Studies
Macron's Visit to Morocco: Key Takeaways

  Anu Maria Joseph

On 28 October, French President Emmanuel Macron began his three-day visit to Morocco. His trip came at the invitation of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, who stressed the visit an opportunity for "a renewed and ambitious vision covering several strategic sectors." Two countries signed EUR ten billion worth of agreements, including on energy and infrastructure.

In an address to the Moroccan parliament, Macron recognised Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara stating that French companies "will support the development" of Western Sahara whose "present and future" belong under "Moroccan sovereignty." He additionally promised, "investments and sustainable support initiatives to benefit local population." 

The following are the major takeaways of the visit. 

1. The "warm reunion" of France and Morocco
France and Morocco had strained relations for years, mainly over France's stance on Western Sahara. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony and UN termed "non-self-governing territory" is primarily under the control of Morocco. However, it is also claimed by the Algeria-backed rebel group- Polisario Front. In 2020, the US recognised Morocco's claim of Western Sahara in return for signing the Abraham Accords. France's recognition of Morocco's claim was a long-awaited diplomatic turnabout for Morocco, as France for long put efforts to normalise ties with its former colony Algeria. Besides, France and Morocco were at odds over the issue of migration after in 2021, France halved the number of visas it grants to the North African country. The reunion not only strengthened Morocco's claims over Western Sahara but also eased tensions and opened the door for strengthening bilateral relations.

2. France's increased tensions with Algeria
France's diplomatic shift has angered Algeria. France always wanted to revamp its relations with Algeria. Although France recognised the colonial atrocities it committed in Algeria, it never gave a formal apology, which has always been a point of contention between the two. Failed attempts to reconcile have added to anger over France’s support to Morocco's claims over Western Sahara. It has worsened the tensions and reopened the old wounds. Following Macron's diplomatic shift, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboone's visit to Paris was called off in October. Later it withdrew its ambassador to Paris.

3. New regional tensions in North Africa
Morocco-Algeria ties have always been tense since 1975, over disputed territorial claims on Western Sahara. In August 2021, Algeria cut diplomatic ties with Morocco, accusing Morocco of supporting the separatist movement for the self-determination of Kabylia in retaliation for Algeria's historical support to the Polisario Front. In March 2023, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that the relations between the two countries reached a "point of no return due to Morocco's continued provocation of Algeria".

Following increased engagement between France and Morocco, Algeria has imposed visa restrictions on Moroccans, and accused many of "Zionist espionage," for its ties with Israel. France's recognition of Morocco's claims over Western Sahara has increased tensions between Morocco and Algeria. Increasing the West's support for Morocco's claim increases the fear of a potentially violent conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front.

4. France revisiting its Africa policies
Recently, France has been facing a major drawback in West Africa, especially in its former colonies. French troops fighting insurgency in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had to withdraw at the demand of the respective governments. Its troops were blamed for failure to address the insurgency, involvement in the country's internal affairs, and neocolonial interests. Besides, it has been facing increased criticisms from its former colonies, including Algeria and Rwanda, for not formally apologising and paying reparations for its colonial atrocities. This blow has forced France recently to change its policy towards Africa. It has begun to engage with African countries beyond its former colonies to avoid the burden of colonialism. Ending its efforts to rebuild ties with Algeria and revisiting ties with Morocco is likely to be a part of France's new Africa policy.

About the author
Anu Maria Joseph is a Project Associate at NIAS.
 

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