Western Sahara: Morocco, Algeria… Paris’s position reshuffles the cards of French diplomacy in the Maghreb

The announcement will mark the history of diplomatic relations between France and Algeria. On Tuesday, France announced its support for the Moroccan plan for Western Sahara, considering that it was the “only basis” for resolving the conflict. However, Morocco and Algeria have been at odds for decades over the issue, with Rabat believing that the region – a former Spanish colony – should be under its sovereignty, while Algiers supports the position of the Sahrawi separatists, who are demanding a referendum on self-determination.

The latter was planned after the 1991 ceasefire, but was never organized.

“France positions itself as a partner”

This announcement reshuffles the cards of French diplomacy in the Maghreb. Until now, France has considered that the Moroccan plan for the Sahara was one solution among others. Emmanuel Macron considers that it is now the only basis for achieving a lasting political solution. A very strategic position.

“France is positioning itself as a partner, because it is Morocco’s third largest trading partner. It is a strong economic strategic choice in a Morocco which, over this decade, will enter the global agenda, with the 2025 African Cup of Nations, the 2030 Football World Cup. So, Morocco is really positioning itself on the global agenda at the moment,” said Romain Grosjean, a specialist in African issues, speaking to Europe 1.

Towards a visit by Emmanuel Macron to Morocco by the end of the year?

This recognition is a major diplomatic victory for Rabat. But it undermines already tense Franco-Algerian relations, despite Paris’s multiple attempts at rapprochement. “I think there were many signs towards Algeria, which the Algerians ultimately failed to take. And so, this strong gesture from President Macron is to say: ‘Okay, I’m also turning to your neighbor’. It’s not going to improve the already complex business relations between France and Algeria. But we can hope that it may be cyclical,” he continues.

Postponed many times, a visit by Emmanuel Macron to Morocco should take place by the end of the year. A way to seal the warming of relations between the two countries.