Morocco Gains Diplomatic Edge in Sahel as Algeria and France Lose Ground

Jeune Afrique devotes an article to the superiority of Morocco’s foreign policy in the Sahel region compared to the Algerian approach. The pan-African magazine highlights the fundamental differences between the strategies of the two countries in addressing regional issues. While Morocco relies on soft power and common economic development to strengthen its influence, Algeria continues to focus on a traditional approach devoid of a development dimension, it notes. To support its argument, the author of the article points out that the Moroccan approach is based on a balanced and long-term vision. Explanation: Rabat has built a network of solid alliances with African countries through innovative economic and humanitarian projects. Among these, we can cite the gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, a model of constructive regional cooperation.

Morocco is also striving to strengthen stability in the Sahel through initiatives including education, health and infrastructure, while hosting regional meetings aimed at integrating the Sahel region into the Atlantic space. "On the other hand, Algerian foreign policy is criticized for its focus on supporting separatist movements and its use of a security and military approach with a limited vision," notes the publication, explaining that the lack of a clear strategy has led to a decline in Algeria’s influence in Africa, where its interventions are limited to ad hoc aid without providing lasting solutions to major challenges such as poverty and extremism.

The same sentiment is expressed by Sabri Louh, an expert in international law, migration and Sahara-related conflicts. "In 2012, Morocco made a firm decision to adopt a proactive confrontation policy and fill the voids left, particularly in defending its interests and rights, especially with regard to its territorial unity. This decision was accompanied by an absolute mandate given to all Moroccans to defend these interests," he explained in a statement to the Al3omk website. He specified that from 2014, 2015 and 2016, King Mohammed VI initiated direct communication with African countries, within the framework of bilateral agreements covering various fields, sometimes reaching up to 21 agreements per country, including political consultation agreements.

To maintain the momentum, Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017 after 32 years of absence. "Morocco’s request to rejoin the African Union provoked a public confrontation on a continental and international scale between Morocco and this bloc led by Algeria, supported by African Union officials. Morocco was able to overcome them in a fierce struggle, thus confirming the power of its royal diplomacy and the effectiveness of its new strategy in Africa, based on large-scale continental projects, within the framework of a principle of mutual benefit, far from methods of exploitation and humiliation, and without resorting to the purchase of consciences as Algeria does in immoral and unjustified approaches," he explains.

According to the expert, Morocco has also outperformed France in terms of foreign policy in Africa. Paris has even called on Rabat’s help to secure the release of President Mohamed Bazoum, detained in Niamey since his overthrow in July 2023, on the sidelines of French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Morocco.