China and Russia Poised to Back Morocco’s Sahara Plan, Reshaping North African Diplomacy

According to a recent report from the International Migration Institute (IMI), China and Russia could soon follow the lead of the United States, Spain and France in supporting the Moroccan proposal. The rapprochement between Rabat and Beijing could lead to this position, reports Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, recalling the stopover of President Xi Jinping in Casablanca, on his way back from the G20 summit.

The two countries have strengthened their cooperation in recent months and China has shown signs of support for Morocco. This is evidenced by the exclusion of the Polisario representative from the China-Africa forum held in September 2024. Similarly, "the Chinese ambassador to Morocco has mentioned a "close monitoring" of this file (Sahara), mentioning the regular sending of reports to Beijing containing constructive proposals," adds the daily.

For its part, Russia, which sees Morocco as a strategic partner, should also review its position on the Sahara. A choice that could be justified by the diplomatic setbacks suffered by Algeria, whose relations have deteriorated with Mali and Niger. Like China, Russia had also excluded the Polisario from the last Russia-Africa summit.

Moscow has also intensified its cooperation with Rabat. The two countries have signed a new fisheries agreement including the territorial waters of the southern provinces. A strong diplomatic act that can be considered a step towards the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.