Moroccans are showing declining support for Russia’s role in Africa and favor a neutral stance on major global conflicts, according to a survey by the Afrobarometer.
The poll, part of Afrobarometer’s Round 13 release, found that 34% of respondents view Russia’s political and economic influence as positive, down from 37% in the 2019–2021 survey.
About 19% said Russia’s impact is neither positive nor negative, while 31% declined to answer, leaving a significant share of respondents either neutral or undecided.
The survey also examined Moroccan views on the war in Ukraine. About 80% said they are aware of the conflict, which began in February 2022. Roughly 74% said Morocco should remain fully neutral, slightly above the 72% African average.
Afrobarometer said Russia ranks behind other emerging powers in Morocco, describing its influence as limited.
The report said Moscow’s soft power faces challenges as Moroccans show little appetite for aligning with global power blocs.
The findings point to a preference for a balanced Moroccan approach to Russia, avoiding polarization linked to the war in Ukraine or Moscow’s ambitions in Africa.
The report described the stance as “cautiously open,” maintaining ties without taking sides.
Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has sought to strengthen political, military and diplomatic ties with African nations in a bid to restore its global influence.
Moscow aims to challenge Western and U.S. influence and secure access to strategic resources, reviving its engagement in Africa following the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Afrobarometer’s surveys across 38 African countries show Russia receives the lowest positive rating among major powers, trailing China, the United States and the European Union.
About 42% of Africans remain undecided about Russia’s influence, according to the report.
The results suggest Moroccans favor a neutral, measured foreign policy approach, reflecting broader African caution toward Moscow’s efforts to expand its footprint.
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