Pressure mounts for France to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara
Following Israel's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, pressure is growing for France to take the same decision. Such a step would undoubtedly repair and strengthen the current ties between Rabat and Paris. The two historic allies are going through a silent crisis following France's decision to reduce the number of visas for Moroccan citizens in 2021. However, despite the obvious tensions, the authorities in both countries have made no reference to the current diplomatic impasse.
One of the proofs that relations between Rabat and Paris are not at their best is the absence of the Moroccan ambassador in the French capital, as well as the European Parliament's resolution in January critical of the press freedom situation in Morocco, which in the Kingdom was considered a plot orchestrated by MEPs from the party of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Before Parliament's controversial resolution there was already tension between the two countries over the spying scandal linked to Israel's Pegasus programme. The North African kingdom was accused by international media of using this software to spy on the phones of several French politicians, including that of President Macron, something that Rabat denied. On the other hand, the rift between France and Morocco has increased due to Paris's decision to reconcile with Algeria after years of disagreements.
Now, with Israel's decision on the Sahara, Morocco blames France for not following the example of Jerusalem and recognising the 'Moroccan-ness' of the region, a 'national issue' for the Kingdom, as Al-Arab points out: 'France's position is important because the European position depends on it. Therefore, we can expect more pressure from Rabat on Paris", explains Aziz Boucetta on his website, Panorapost.
On the other hand, Abu Al-Mughith Benmasoud, a professor of political science, points out to the Arabic daily that relations with international powers are seen in Morocco "from the position they have on the Sahara". This region, where Rabat controls most of the territory, is disputed between the Kingdom and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which is calling for a referendum on self-determination.
The Elysée considers its position on this issue to be "clear and coherent" and based on achieving "a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in line with UN Security Council resolutions". Similarly, France considers Rabat's autonomy plan 'serious and credible', something that has been stressed on several occasions by senior French officials, such as the French ambassador in Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, who pointed out during a recent interview with L'Economiste that Paris' position has been, from the outset, 'clearly in favour of Morocco'.
However, the Kingdom is hoping for clearer and more forceful support. Several Moroccan media outlets criticise what they see as "duplicity" on the part of Paris over Western Sahara in order to preserve its economic interests in Algeria. Others also highlight Macron's 'Algerian tendencies' or the 'coldness' of the French position on the region.
Hassan Aourid, professor of political science at the Mohammed V University in Rabat and former spokesperson for the Royal Palace - quoted by Al-Arab - considers that the international and regional context has changed, and that the French approach 'must take these changes into account'.
Several right-wing French politicians and diplomats have welcomed Israel's decision and called for a strong reaction from President Macron to "resolve this strategic issue", as Éric Ciotti, president of the right-wing party Les Républicains, tweeted.
Despite the current unfavourable diplomatic situation between Morocco and France, the two countries continue to cooperate in various areas such as trade, the economy, investment, tourism and education.