Amine Ghoulidi
A saying oft repeated in discussions of French diplomacy stipulates that “a French president’s mandate begins in Algiers and ends in Rabat.” This axiom has proven strikingly prescient. Consider the letter French President Emmanuel Macron recently sent to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, officially recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
This decision not only reinforces the growing international consensus on the resolution of this long-standing conflict, it reshapes the balance of power in the region.
To fully grasp the significance of this policy shift, it is crucial to examine the complex web of historical relationships, recent diplomatic tensions, and evolving geopolitical realities that have shaped France’s decision. The roots of this move lie not only in the intricate history of French presence in North Africa but in more recent strains in Franco-Moroccan relations, attempts at rapprochement with Algeria, and broader challenges to French influence across the African continent.
Historical Context
France’s legacy in North Africa, particularly its 132-year rule of Algeria that ended with a war of independence in 1962, still casts a long shadow over its relations in the region. While Morocco gained independence in 1956 through a relatively smoother process, maintaining closer ties with France, Algeria’s relationship with its former colonizer has been marked by periods of tension and attempts at reconciliation. This historical context has complicated France’s ability to maintain balanced relationships with both countries, especially given their opposing stances on the Western Sahara issue.
The Western Sahara dispute itself dates back to 1975 when Spain withdrew from the territory. Morocco subsequently claimed sovereignty, while the Polisario Front, an armed insurgent group hosted and backed by Algeria, has long advocated for the territory’s independence. The conflict has resulted in decades of diplomatic stalemate and periodic armed confrontations.
Recent Strains in Franco-Moroccan-Algerian Relations
In recent years, Franco-Moroccan relations have been strained by a confluence of factors, » Read More
https://www.heritage.org/global-politics/commentary/ending-rabat-frances-moroccan-pivot-and-the-future-western-sahara