The confrontation between Algeria and the Morocco on the question of Western Sahara remains one of the major stumbling blocks in Maghreb relations. Since the 1970s, this disputed territory has crystallized tensions between Rabat, which claims sovereignty over this region, and Algiers, which supports the Front Polisario in his quest for self-determination. This historic rivalry led to the closure of borders between the two countries and continues to profoundly influence regional geopolitics, with repercussions on diplomatic alliances and balances of power in Africa.
African support strengthens the Moroccan position
Moroccan diplomacy has just recorded two significant victories with declarations of support from the Ivory Coast a you Liberia. During official meetings in Laâyoune, the foreign ministers of these two nations reaffirmed their support for the territorial integrity of Morocco and its sovereignty over Western Sahara. This position is materialized in particular by the existence of diplomatic representations: an Ivorian consulate general in Laâyoune since 2020 and its Liberian equivalent in Dakhla the same year. This diplomatic support strengthens the legitimacy of the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, considered by these countries as the only viable solution to resolve this territorial dispute.
An ambitious maritime strategy
Morocco deploys a strategic vision centered on its Atlantic coast, as evidenced by the royal initiative welcomed by Liberia. This project aims to transform the African maritime space into a hub for continental cooperation, with particular attention paid to the Sahel States. The development of port infrastructure illustrates this ambition, in particular through the rapprochement between the port of Tangier-Med and that of Abidjan, as well as the construction of the new port of Dakhla-Atlantique. This maritime strategy strengthens the kingdom’s African roots and offers new prospects for regional economic development.
-Consolidated economic partnerships
Beyond territorial issues, Morocco is deepening its economic relations with its African partners. Cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire testifies to this dynamic, marked by multiple royal visits to Abidjan and the launch of various projects in the sectors of infrastructure, fishing, housing and agriculture. Both countries actively encourage their respective private sectors to develop new investments, particularly through the Economic Impulse Group. This multilateral economic approach strengthens Morocco’s position as a major economic player on the African continent, while consolidating its diplomatic alliances on the question of Western Sahara.
Morocco
