France-Morocco ties: Rabat’s growing role in African diplomacy

The French Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, arrived in Rabat on Wednesday, July 15, leading a high-profile delegation of twelve ministers. As several agreements are expected to be signed during this visit, the trip coincides with heightened tensions over human rights concerns after Moroccan authorities took legal action against a journalist and an artist.

Morocco’s diplomatic ambitions in sub-Saharan Africa

RFI: In recent years, a subtle France-Morocco competition seems to have emerged across sub-Saharan Africa: while France struggles to maintain its influence or adjusts its strategies, Morocco has been expanding its presence through investments. Has Morocco become the unexpected competitor that France failed to anticipate in regions it once considered its exclusive sphere of influence?

Mehdi Alioua: Partly yes, but not entirely. On one hand, no, because much of Morocco’s investments are made in joint ventures with French companies or in close coordination with French diplomacy. There is a strong South-South cooperation that also relies on robust North-South ties between Rabat and Paris. On the other hand, yes, because Morocco has gone further with fully Moroccan-funded projects, driven by a clear ambition to establish a distinctly African policy for Africa, championed by the Moroccan head of state.

Can Morocco help bridge the gap in Sahel-France relations?

Morocco is genuinely committed to playing a constructive role. The deterioration in relations isn’t necessarily between the people of France and the Sahel; the issue lies at the political level. Take Mali, for example: relations have soured due to populist rhetoric from new political regimes that have fostered an anti-France sentiment. This isn’t aligned with Morocco’s diplomatic approach.

However, it’s crucial to recognize the millennia-old ties between Morocco and Sahelian countries—roots that predate Islam and have only deepened over time. For instance, the word marabout comes from the Berber term al-mourabitoune, referring to a dynasty that originated in the Sahel and ruled from Aghmat, near Marrakech, over an empire spanning from Spain to Guinea and present-day Mali. These historical connections allow Moroccan diplomacy to leverage deep-rooted relationships. We are neighbors separated by the Sahara, a desert we’ve navigated for centuries.

Recent human rights concerns in Morocco

When journalists or artists face imprisonment, it’s always a cause for concern. The Moroccan authorities assert that the judiciary operates independently, and those detained have the right to defend themselves. The Franco-Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was released but remains under investigation. While details of the other case are unclear, human rights organizations and legal advocates in Morocco are actively mobilizing to support the accused, and the justice system will present its charges in due course. Morocco has made significant strides in advancing human rights, though occasional setbacks reveal lingering institutional reflexes.

Does Morocco hold the same allure as France in sub-Saharan Africa?

No, not yet. However, Morocco is increasingly attracting attention. The Moroccan authorities have made it a priority to enhance the country’s appeal, as seen in the massive investments poured into organizing the African Nations Cup. Yet, this strategy carries risks. While Morocco’s youth question the prioritization of stadiums over domestic issues like poverty, the African public’s reaction can shift rapidly—witness how a final match dispute with Senegal turned parts of African opinion against Morocco. Statements claiming Moroccan pitches are as good as Europe’s, while well-intentioned, lack the humility needed to strengthen Morocco’s African diplomacy.

Morocco attracts and at the same time instills caution. It will never match France’s allure as long as it remains a lower-middle-income country. Only when Morocco achieves greater economic prosperity and development will it rival—or surpass—France’s appeal on the continent.