French Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty over the Sahara: A Strategic Diplomatic Shift

Tuesday 29 October 2024 - 14:20

France’s recent position on the Moroccan Sahara issue has sparked numerous analyses and interpretations in academic and political circles. Rachid Lazrak, political analyst and professor of constitutional law, sees this recognition as a strategic shift based on a deep understanding of the region’s social and political dynamics. This change in position, according to him, reflects an adaptation of French diplomacy to regional realities in order to maximize national interests.

Lazrak highlights that the opening of investments by the French Development Agency (AFD) in the Moroccan Sahara represents a concrete advancement that goes beyond mere diplomatic frameworks. In other words, AFD's investment in the Sahara shows how France knows how to leverage opportunities in a shifting geopolitical context. Furthermore, this pragmatic approach, he argues, becomes a model of diplomacy capable of transforming geopolitical challenges into economic opportunities and adapting actions to the political realities on the ground.

France’s decision to strengthen its relations with Morocco comes at a strategic moment when its influence is waning in several African countries. This context is prompting Paris to reconsider its alliances. With its declining influence in certain African regions, Morocco emerges as a key partner for France, allowing it to reinforce its presence in North and West Africa. Thus, this choice illustrates France’s ability to adapt to geopolitical transformations by redefining its regional alliances. Lazrak views this strategy as “pragmatic” since it is focused on mutually beneficial collaboration in an ever-changing world.

The rapid transformations on the world stage highlight the importance of pragmatic diplomacy to manage complex international relations. In this light, France’s recent stance in favor of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is a clear example of such diplomatic pragmatism. France’s ability to adjust its positions in response to recent international developments, such as the U.S. and Spanish recognitions of Moroccan sovereignty, reflects a flexibility and responsiveness that are becoming essential assets in modern diplomacy.

Lazrak also emphasizes the central role of economic interests in this realignment of alliances. By recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, France primarily seeks to secure new investment opportunities in this rapidly developing region. This choice aligns with a key principle of pragmatic diplomacy: maximizing national economic benefits. With rapidly expanding development projects in southern Morocco, this approach positions France as a preferred partner in Moroccan initiatives, thereby strengthening bilateral economic relations.

In this regard, this diplomatic evolution coincides with Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Morocco, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron. Analysts believe that this visit is an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their relations and ease tensions from recent years. Thus, the meeting between the French and Moroccan heads of state could open a new era of cooperation based on mutual respect and strategic complementarity.

Lazrak sees France’s position on the Moroccan Sahara issue as an emblematic example of pragmatic diplomacy in action. This stance combines flexibility and realism, aiming to serve national interests while taking into account regional and international realities. He believes this pragmatic approach, capable of reassessing and adjusting policies based on geopolitical developments, is a strategic asset for any nation seeking to maintain its place in a multipolar and unstable world.

French pragmatic diplomacy demonstrates how a nation can combine flexibility and adaptation in the face of international challenges, while securing strategic partnerships and respecting regional sensitivities. This shift may well mark the beginning of a new era in Franco-Moroccan relations, in which the Sahara will play a key role in the economic and political interests of both countries.