Julian Harston, former UN Deputy Secretary-General under Ban Ki-moon and respected expert on the Sahara issue, reacts to the fallout from French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit to Morocco. A UN figure who led MINURSO (United Nations Mission for the Organization of a Referendum in the Sahara), Harston underlines the importance of the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara by France, which he describes as “historic moment”, a turning point for international relations in the region.
On the sidelines of an interview given to Africa Presse, Julian Harston returns to the asserted position of Emmanuel Macron during his stay in Morocco, where the French president unambiguously expressed his support for the solution of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty for the Sahara. “The French President has very clearly indicated that the only future for the Sahara is the autonomy recommended by His Majesty Mohammed VI,” recalls Harston, adding that this recognition is “a historic moment” for the Moroccan people.
France’s decision to open a consulate in one of the main Saharan cities, in Laâyoune or Dakhla, will mark a strong gesture of diplomatic support. Harston welcomes this initiative and believes that it symbolizes the end of Macron’s “at the same time” policy, often seen as a fragile balance between Algeria and Morocco. “In life, you have to know how to choose according to your interests and the higher interests of the Nation that you represent,” he comments, stressing that this position taken by France represents a major advance, both on both symbolic and political.
Julian Harston anticipates that this position by France could strengthen tensions with Algeria, a country which continues to block a peaceful solution to the conflict, by refusing to recognize its role in this situation.
“Algeria refuses to admit that it is a party to this conflict and persists in blocking any peaceful solution,” he declared. However, Harston sees in this gesture an opportunity to close a diplomatic quarrel which, according to him, had “lasted too long” between France and Morocco.
In addition to the diplomatic aspect, Macron’s visit was also marked by a significant economic dimension.
Accompanied by a delegation of around fifty business leaders, the French president affirmed France’s desire to strengthen its economic presence in Morocco. “This return of France to the economic development of the Kingdom is crucial,” maintains Harston, who underlines the optimism of investors regarding the prospects of cooperation in key sectors such as oil and automobiles.
The symbolic and diplomatic impact at the international level
Harston hopes that other European countries, notably the United Kingdom, will follow France’s example in recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. Although the new British government is currently consumed with domestic policy issues, it believes that similar recognition could see the light of day within two years. “I am firmly convinced that it will happen and be done,” he says optimistically.
During the 49th anniversary of the Green March, Harston recalled the words of King Mohammed VI, who reaffirmed the Sahrawis’ attachment to their Moroccanness and the historical ties uniting this region to the Kingdom. In this continuity, Harston considers that the United Nations must “take their responsibilities” and make a clear choice between the “realistic and legitimate” vision of Morocco and that of Algeria, which he describes as “sclerotic and cut off from the real world and its developments.
For Harston, Morocco’s growing engagement in Africa is one of the major transformations of the last decade. Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty Mohammed VI, has become a key player on the African continent, developing strategic partnerships and strengthening its ties with its neighbors. “The Kingdom has somehow changed in size and influence,” underlines Harston, who also evokes the rapid economic transformations of the southern provinces, in particular in Laâyoune and Dakhla, where numerous investments have been made.
This rise in power is accompanied by an evolution in Moroccan diplomacy, moving from a didactic approach to an active and efficient economic diplomacy, arousing the growing interest of international partners. “The view of Morocco has changed, not just in Africa, but on the international scene, and this success is extraordinary,” says Harston.
Future prospects and support from a “critical friend”
Julian Harston expresses his optimism about Morocco’s diplomatic and economic future. Although he considers himself a “critical friend”, ready to share his remarks frankly with the Moroccan authorities, Harston says he is impressed by the dynamism of the Kingdom and by the newfound confidence of its citizens, particularly in the southern provinces.
He sees in this international recognition and in the numerous development projects in the Sahara the signs of a new era for Morocco, a country which continues to strengthen its influence and arouse the admiration of its international partners. “I have great hope for the Kingdom of Morocco and the development of the Sahara,” he concludes, convinced that Morocco is on the path to lasting success on the diplomatic and economic levels.
