Jeune Afrique devotes an article to the superiority of Morocco’s foreign policy in the Sahel region compared to the Algerian approach. The pan-African magazine highlights the fundamental differences between the two countries’ strategies for dealing with regional issues. While Morocco relies on soft power and common economic development to strengthen its influence, Algeria continues to focus on a traditional approach devoid of a developmental dimension, he notes. To support his argument, the author of the article states that the Moroccan approach is based on a balanced and long-term vision. Explanation: Rabat has built a network of solid alliances with African countries through innovative economic and humanitarian projects. Among these, we can cite the gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, a model of constructive regional cooperation.
Morocco is also striving to strengthen stability in the Sahel through initiatives including education, health and infrastructure, while hosting regional meetings aimed at integrating the Sahel region into the Atlantic space. “On the other hand, Algerian foreign policy is criticized for its focus on supporting separatist movements and its use of a security and military approach with a limited vision,” notes the publication, explaining that the absence of a clear strategy has resulted in a decline in Algeria’s influence in Africa, where its interventions are limited to one-off aid without providing lasting solutions to major challenges such as poverty and extremism.
To read: Morocco imposes itself where France falls back
Same story with Sabri Louh, expert in international law, migration and conflicts linked to the Sahara. “Morocco took a firm decision in 2012, adopting a policy of proactive confrontation and filling the gaps left, particularly in terms of defending its interests and rights, particularly with regard to its territorial unity. This decision was accompanied by an absolute mandate granted to all Moroccans to defend these interests,” he explained in a statement to the Al3omk website. He made it clear that from 2014, 2015 and 2016, King Mohammed VI initiated direct communication with African countries, within the framework of bilateral agreements covering various areas, sometimes reaching up to 21 agreements per country. , including political consultation agreements.
-To keep the momentum going, Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017 after 32 years of absence. “Morocco’s request to rejoin the African Union has provoked a public confrontation on a continental and international scale between Morocco and this Algerian-led bloc, supported by African Union officials. Morocco was able to overcome them in a fierce struggle, thus confirming the power of its royal diplomacy and the effectiveness of its new strategy in Africa, which is based on large-scale continental projects, within the framework of a principle of mutual benefit. , far from methods of exploitation and humiliation, and without resorting to buying consciences as Algeria does in immoral and unjustified steps,” he explains.
Read: Crisis in the Sahel: Morocco IN, France and Algeria OUT
According to the expert, Morocco has also done better than France in terms of foreign policy in Africa. Paris has also requested Rabat’s help to free President Mohamed Bazoum, detained in Niamey since his overthrow in July 2023, on the sidelines of the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco.
