Morocco must strengthen diplomatic ties in Africa, experts warn

As global powers continue to support Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole solution to the Sahara conflict, questions arise about the role of Moroccan diplomacy on the African continent, particularly following the loss of the African Union Commission vice presidency to Algeria.

Observers suggest that Morocco should strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa, especially given the ongoing attempts by its adversaries to exploit the economic and political vulnerabilities of certain African nations to pressure Rabat.

Abdelali Benlyaz, a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, noted that despite Morocco’s diplomatic breakthroughs on the international stage—gaining the backing of major powers such as the United States, France, Spain, and Germany for its autonomy proposal—Rabat must not assume that these achievements mark the final resolution of the dispute.

Benlyaz warned that Morocco’s territorial adversaries, particularly Algeria, are actively working to regain diplomatic ground, leveraging economic and political instability across Africa to undermine Morocco’s influence. He stressed the need for Moroccan diplomacy to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding its gains and expanding its influence, as international relations are primarily driven by strategic interests.

Political analyst Mohamed Amrani Boukhobza emphasized that Morocco has made significant strides within the African Union since rejoining the organization in 2017, achieving notable successes. However, he acknowledged that Morocco is not the only influential player on the continent, as various actors pursue their own agendas.

While Morocco has positioned itself as a key partner in Africa by providing support during crises and fostering cooperation, Boukhobza highlighted the challenges posed by Algeria and its allies, particularly South Africa, who seek to maintain divisions within the continent for their own strategic gains.

Despite Morocco’s diplomatic efforts—ranging from formal channels through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to parliamentary and sports diplomacy—the resurgence of Algeria’s influence necessitates a recalibrated strategy. Boukhobza concluded that Morocco must invest in research centers specializing in African affairs to better understand the continent’s evolving dynamics and ensure a more effective, forward-thinking diplomatic approach.