Russia strengthens role in Sahara talks as Morocco seeks diplomatic balance

Morocco’s diplomacy has intensified ahead of a crucial United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote later this month, as Russia’s growing involvement in the Sahara question reshapes the geopolitical equation.

On Thursday, Morocco’s ambassador to Moscow, Lotfi Bouchaara, held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin in the Russian capital. The meeting centered on Sahara, the Middle East, and North Africa, highlighting both countries’ commitment to resolving regional disputes through political and diplomatic means under the United Nations framework, according to Russia’s foreign ministry.

The discussion came as Moscow assumed the rotating presidency of the Security Council on October 1. The body is expected to vote on a new resolution concerning Sahara by the end of the month, a moment that could influence the balance of international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.

Russia’s pivotal position as a permanent member of the Council with veto power gives it substantial leverage in determining the resolution’s fate. Morocco, supported by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, aims to ensure that neither Russia nor China blocks the measure.

Moscow and Algiers court Russian influence

The Sahara issue also featured in recent discussions between Algeria’s ambassador to Moscow, Toufik Djouama, and Vershinin. Algeria has been pushing for Russian backing, hoping to counter Morocco’s growing international momentum. Russian diplomacy, meanwhile, signaled plans to address “the settlement of the conflict in Sahara” during its Security Council presidency, including renewed references to a “referendum”,  a proposal long dismissed by the international community as impractical and outdated.

For Morocco, the suggestion of a referendum revives an obsolete process that disregards decades of diplomatic progress. The Autonomy Plan, recognized by many countries as the only credible and realistic framework, remains the cornerstone of Morocco’s position. Reintroducing the referendum narrative risks legitimizing separatist discourse and undermining the sovereignty Morocco has consolidated through international consensus.

A month of active diplomacy

September saw a flurry of diplomatic exchanges between Rabat and Moscow. Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York on September 25 during the UN General Assembly. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation and maintain dialogue over regional stability.

The talks followed a visit to Moscow by Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sahara, who sought to revive political dialogue toward “a just and mutually acceptable solution.” Russia described the conflict as a “legacy of colonialism” and emphasized its impact on the security of the Sahel-Sahara region.

Economic and strategic ties deepen

Parallel to diplomatic efforts, Morocco and Russia continue to strengthen their economic relations. Pavel Kalmychek, a senior Russian official, announced that Morocco is among the African countries set to sign an investment protection agreement aimed at doubling trade volume by 2030. Trade between Russia and Africa reached $27 billion in 2024, with a large share involving North African partners.

The two countries’ strategic partnership, established in 2002 and elevated in 2016 during King Mohammed VI’s visit to Moscow, has evolved into broader cooperation. Russia has included Morocco in its plans for a North African free trade zone and noted the kingdom’s interest in joining the BRICS bloc.

Foreign Minister Lavrov recently reaffirmed that Moscow views Morocco as “a friendly country” and is “actively working with Rabat to solve the Sahara dispute.” Russia’s gradual shift from opposing UN resolutions to abstaining in recent years suggests a more balanced stance that could prove advantageous for Morocco’s diplomatic strategy at the United Nations.