France redefines ties with Morocco amid diplomatic shifts in Sahara

Thursday 13 March 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

France redefines ties with Morocco amid diplomatic shifts in Sahara

Following a series of high-profile diplomatic visits to Sahara, France is solidifying its cooperative relationship with Morocco, marking a significant departure from its previous ambiguous stance.

The French publication, Le Point, highlights a transformative shift in France’s diplomatic approach, characterized by recent visits from key officials including French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Senate President Gérard Larcher. These engagements signify France's active participation in the affairs of Sahara, moving away from mere observation to strategic involvement.

A notable development emerged during Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin's visit, where he signed a joint declaration with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdellatif Ouahbi, aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts against terrorism and organized crime. This agreement underscores France's commitment to enhancing its partnership with Morocco in areas critical to both nations.

Le Point’s Rabat correspondent, Yasmine Tijani, points to a clear message being conveyed by Paris through these visits. “By visiting Tarfaya, Laayoune, and Dakhla in mid-February, then with the visit of Senate President Gérard Larcher, Paris is sending an unequivocal message,” Tijani reports. The French government has consistently affirmed its position that the future of Sahara is aligned with Moroccan sovereignty.

Florence Kuntz, a former member of the European Parliament, has described this evolution as a transformative moment in Franco-Moroccan relations, stating, “This ministerial visit finally opens the path to Moroccan Sahara.” While Dati suggested that the establishment of a French consulate in Dakhla is a response to increasing demographic needs, Larcher explicitly affirmed that “French consular action will be deployed” in response to strategic interests in the region.

The article further details the burgeoning French presence in various sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and tourism, citing the signing of multiple agreements between French and Moroccan cultural organizations. Dati’s vision for the new Alliance Française in Laayoune as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation has also been emphasized, along with the development of educational initiatives like the French OSUI Paul-Pascon high school.

This diplomatic shift has not gone unnoticed by Algeria, which has reacted critically, denouncing what it describes as “unacceptable interference” and suspending Senate-level relations with France. Le Point notes that Algeria’s aggressive responses to Moroccan advancements highlight its deep involvement in the regional dynamics, despite its claims of non-involvement in the conflict.

As Franco-Algerian relations experience heightened tensions, France appears to be reaffirming its role as Morocco's primary partner in North Africa. The potential establishment of French consulates in Dakhla and Laayoune would further cement this new diplomatic era between Rabat and Paris, positioning both nations for increased collaboration.