Airbnb alters listings in Morocco’s southern provinces amid foreign pressure

Monday 04 August 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Airbnb alters listings in Morocco’s southern provinces amid foreign pressure

Home-sharing giant Airbnb has removed references to Morocco’s southern provinces, including Laayoune, Dakhla, and Boujdour, from its platform. The move follows pressure from Sahara Resource Watch (SRW), a foreign activist group, and has sparked concerns over foreign interference in Morocco’s territorial integrity.

Airbnb bows to foreign lobbying

The changes, quietly implemented after SRW’s June 13 letter, have been criticized for disregarding the realities on the ground. SRW, a network of activists operating from European capitals, has no direct connection to the region yet continues to campaign against Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern territories.

Erik Hagen of SRW described Airbnb’s decision as a “first step,” revealing the group’s broader agenda to isolate Morocco’s southern provinces economically and challenge development projects in the area.

Political interference and regional implications

The move highlights ongoing lobbying efforts, led in part by Algeria, to undermine Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara. Algeria has reportedly spent billions backing the Polisario Front, a separatist group, to challenge Morocco’s territorial claims.

Despite SRW's claims of aligning with “international court rulings,” the international community increasingly recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed region. Over 115 countries, including the US, UK, France, and Spain, have endorsed Morocco’s autonomy initiative. Furthermore, multiple nations have opened consulates in cities like Dakhla and Laayoune, underscoring Morocco’s administrative control.

Moroccan reactions and past precedents

Airbnb’s decision is expected to provoke a strong response from Moroccans, who frequently use the platform for accommodations. In the past, similar incidents have drawn swift backlash. For example, Glovo faced protests in Morocco after displaying a map excluding the southern provinces. The protests forced Glovo to issue an apology, attributing the issue to a technical error.

Morocco’s consistent stance on the Sahara dispute underscores the importance of the region in shaping its foreign policy and national priorities. The government, alongside citizens, is likely to challenge Airbnb’s decision to ensure that foreign interference does not undermine its sovereignty.