Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Rabat marked a significant turning point in relations between France and Morocco. After a period of high tensions, this highly symbolic event is much more than a simple diplomatic reconciliation. This new era of Franco-Moroccan relations is part of a strategic repositioning battle led by Morocco on the international stage.
Morocco and France have a long and deep history of bilateral relations, notably marked by the colonial period when the French protectorate was established in Morocco between 1912 and 1956. This common past has given way to a solid strategic partnership, characterized by intense economic, cultural and political exchanges, but also by certain tensions.
Unprecedented tensions
Over the past three years, relations between Morocco and France have deteriorated significantly, leading to the expression of disenchantment with France on the Moroccan side. Indeed, strong tensions have emerged in the areas of migration, security and territory. The significant reduction in the number of visas granted by France to Moroccan citizens initially fueled a climate of mistrust. Next, Morocco’s alleged involvement in the use of Israeli spyware Pegasus to monitor French personalities in 2021, as well as in the scandal of Qatargate in 2022, have worsened the unease between the two countries. This climate of tension has thus accentuated Morocco’s diplomatic isolation from its traditional European partners.
On the Spanish side, tensions have also arisen between the kingdom and its former colonial power against a backdrop of the migration crisis. More than 8,000 migrants, including around 2,700 minors, entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, in the north of Morocco in 2021. This conflict was notably marked by the recall of the Moroccan ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich. A central element of Moroccan diplomacy for 25 years, Western Sahara is finally recognized by Spain in 2022, illustrating the Kingdom’s strategy to take advantage of the diplomatic crisis to assert its sovereignty over this contested territory. This also allowed the acceleration of the tunnel project between Spain and Morocco. This pharaonic project is a major element in the economic future of the kingdom to boost its attractiveness and strengthen its key role as an intermediary between Europe and Africa.
Update of the map of Morocco on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs including a note added on October 29, 2024: “ For France, the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, sustainable and negotiated political situation in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. »
Moroccan diplomacy in the African theater
In response to its progressive isolation from Europe, Morocco has sought to diversify its alliances. The support of the United States, which recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, was a key moment. This agreement, obtained in exchange for the normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel, strengthened the kingdom’s position on the international scene. Alongside France’s gradual loss of influence in Africa, China and Russia have intensified their economic and diplomatic exchanges with Rabat as part of a broader strategy to penetrate the African market.
Since his arrival on the throne, King Mohammed VI has intensified his efforts to strengthen his leadership on the African continent. Initially economic, this orientation also took a political turn. Morocco’s return to the African Union in 2017, after more than thirty years of absence, as well as its active engagement within various regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), have considerably strengthened its status as a regional leader.
Adopted on July 30, 2024 on the occasion of the 25e anniversary of the reign of Mohammed VI, France’s historic position on Western Sahara in favor of the Moroccan kingdom, but to the detriment of Algerian interests, has exacerbated the historical antagonisms between the two enemy brothers. The Algerian press did not fail to react vehemently to the French president’s visit to Rabat, highlighting the depth of the dissensions. On the other hand, Algiers reinstated in September 2024 the need for a visa for Moroccan citizens wishing to travel to its territory, accusing the kingdom of threatening its national security. This context illustrates the persistent obstacles to Morocco’s assertion as a leader on the African stage.
-A new beginning
As a result of Franco-Moroccan reconciliation and in the renewal of historic relations between the two nations, 22 strategic agreements were signed, representing a total investment of 10 billion euros. These initiatives concern various fields, ranging from aeronautics to sustainable energy. Among the most notable projects, the investment of the French flagship Thales in a Moroccan satellite communications hub is emblematic. This project, intended to connect 550 million Africans, confirms Morocco’s ambition to position itself as a technological crossroads in Africa. Another key deal concerns the French company’s €130 million investment Safran in aeronautical maintenance.
These investments are expected to create thousands of jobs, not only in the technical and industrial sectors, but also in associated services. The project of the French maritime transport company CMA CGM for the development of the port of Nador West Medworth 258 million euros, aims to improve Morocco’s logistical connectivity and make the latter a key player in maritime trade in the Mediterranean. This strengthened economic convergence allows Morocco to assert itself as an essential partner for regional stability. For France, this partnership offers privileged access to one of the most dynamic markets in the region and strengthens its strategic interests in key sectors. This reconciliation was also celebrated as a testament to the common civilizational heritage of the two nations, using their shared history as a foundation to build a common future focused on sustainable development and innovation.
Among the concrete benefits of this renewed dynamic, Morocco has also secured the support of France for the organization of the 2030 World Cup, the promotion of the energy and technological transition as well as Moroccan industrialization. However, many challenges persist for the Shereef kingdom such as dependence on foreign investment, water security after six years of drought as well as the distribution of economic progress within civil society. Social inequalities indeed represent a major issue in Morocco, highlighting the need for wealth redistribution and support for local SMEs.
Morocco, winner of the North-South balance of power
By focusing on Western Sahara, the pivot of its diplomacy for a quarter of a century, Morocco has maneuvered in the geopolitical theater to guarantee its interests and gain the upper hand in the negotiations, thus illustrating a real reversal of the balance of power North-South. The Shereef kingdom adopted a strategy of indirect diplomacy by taking advantage of prolonged diplomatic crises. Its approach has included crippling its adversaries by strengthening its alliances with world powers outside its traditional colonial circle and intensifying its influence in Africa.
Morocco’s geopolitical strategy has consolidated its position on the African continent. As part of a war for influence with China and Russia to the detriment of France, West African countries are increasingly reluctant towards the former French colonial power. In this context, Morocco appears to be an essential renewed partner in order to facilitate a new approach for France with sub-Saharan countries. By imposing a relationship of equals with Europe, Morocco demonstrates its ability to favorably influence the outcomes of major power struggles for its national advantage.
Sarah Bruneau Salem
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