The French ambassador to Morocco leaves Rabat for a highly strategic position

The 63-year-old diplomat is to succeed Rémy Rioux on May 3. His appointment, announced this Tuesday, March 10, remains subject to parliamentary approval and a favorable opinion from the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life. A former head of Business France, he will regain with the AFD a major lever of influence, of which Morocco is the world’s largest beneficiary with 3.2 billion euros committed.

Christophe Lecourtier’s mandate in Morocco has been marked by a major transition. After a long "wilderness" related to tensions over the Pegasus affair and visa policy, the thaw materialized in July 2024. According to Le Monde, France’s rallying to the Moroccan position on Western Sahara has allowed a bilateral reconciliation now considered to be "on good terms".

To succeed him, the name of Aurélien Lechevallier is insistently circulating. The current chief of staff of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he is seen as a key architect of the rapprochement between the Élysée and the Royal Palace. This change comes as an unprecedented treaty of friendship is being prepared, under the direction of Hubert Védrine and Chakib Benmoussa, in anticipation of King Mohammed VI’s state visit to Paris.

Despite his departure from the Moroccan capital, Christophe Lecourtier will maintain a close link with the kingdom. The AFD, which finances Moroccan transport infrastructure and social reforms, is now authorized to intervene in Western Sahara. This appointment confirms Paris’ determination to perpetuate its strategic partnership with its leading development partner in the world.