Morocco Shifts Stance, Sends Tanks to Ukraine in First African Arms Delivery

Several reasons could explain Morocco’s delivery of 20 Soviet-designed tanks to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia for almost a year now. Criticized by the European Union on the issue of freedom of expression and media freedom, cited in the corruption scandal shaking the European Parliament, the kingdom is trying to warm up its relations with Europe. Even if it means turning its back on Russia, whose Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is currently on an African tour and is expected to visit Morocco in early February.

"This marks a setback in Russia’s attempts to keep the continent on its side, or at least neutral, particularly within the UN," Alice Gower, director of geopolitics and security at Azure Strategy, a London-based consulting firm, told DW. African states have been cautious in their approach, abstaining or rejecting the various UN resolutions condemning Russia." According to analysts, the gesture towards Ukraine would also be a way for Morocco to counter the influence and progress of Algeria on the international scene.

"The long-standing tensions over the Western Sahara with neighboring Algeria, one of Moscow’s closest African allies, will undoubtedly have fueled Rabat’s calculations [on sending tanks to Ukraine]," Alice Gower analyzed. By taking this action, Morocco "has a small lever to call on Western powers should Moscow’s influence in Algeria become uncomfortable," she added.