Morocco-France Relations: Calls for Reconciliation Amid Recent Tensions

In a note titled "Morocco-France, the necessary reconciliation", the think tank takes stock of the relations between the two countries in recent years. The Center notes a series of "bad buzz", evoking the causes of the tensions between Rabat and Paris. It notably recalls the measure of restrictions on French visas granted to Moroccans and the coverage by the French media of the earthquake in Al Haouz.

But for the past three months, there has been a decrease in tension between the two countries, the think tank points out, noting the appointment on October 19 of Samira Sitail as Moroccan ambassador to France, a position that has remained vacant since the beginning of this year, and the growing calls from French political leaders to normalize relations with Morocco. "This parenthesis that has lasted too long is in no one’s interest," comments the note.

Looking closely, the Sahara remains the real bone of contention between France and Morocco. Rabat expects Paris to officially recognize its sovereignty over the Sahara, as the United States, Spain and recently Israel have done. In its speeches, France, since 2007, has continued to support Morocco in this conflict, the note states, assuring that the country has so far remained faithful to its pro-Moroccan position.

Recently, the French ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, reiterated his country’s support for Morocco. "France supports Morocco in everything it undertakes, but today we need to move forward," he said. The hardest part will be to restore "mutual trust" and "relaunch" bilateral relations, particularly economic and commercial, in the perspective of the 2030 World Cup that Morocco is co-organizing with Spain and Portugal.