Côte d’Ivoire Opens First Foreign Consulate in Moroccan Sahara, Backing Morocco’s Territorial Claims

Abidjan’s gesture can only be interpreted by the total adherence of the Ivorians to the Moroccan cause. This support is reflected in the words of the Ivorian Ambassador to Morocco, Idrissa Traoré, who declares: "In this matter, Côte d’Ivoire has been, is and will be on the side of Morocco. For us, peace goes through respect for the territorial integrity of Morocco."

At the origin of this initiative is Mohamed El imam Maelainin, a young Sahrawi entrepreneur, descendant of an influential clan both in Morocco and Mauritania. His great-grandfather was Head of Islamic Affairs with the Ait Baamrane tribes in southern Morocco.

At the head of the diplomatic representation in Laâyoune, the new Consul has a pragmatic vision of politics. He declares: "There is no reason why our southern provinces cannot have the continental influence they deserve. They are also the natural way to implement the African strategy initiated by King Mohammed VI and which is experiencing a real boom."

With his long experience in business, Maelainin is at the head of a major Conglomerate consisting of a chain of supermarkets, real estate projects, distribution and agri-food companies, and a network of money transfer agencies. He is also involved in an associative dynamic, which allows him to carry out charitable actions for the benefit of orphans and households.