South Africa objects to Morocco's bid for BRICS membership ahead of Summit

South Africa has blocked all attempts by Morocco and Nigeria to join the BRICS bloc, as reported by Western media. This decision comes just ahead of the group’s sixteenth summit, held on October 22 in Kazan, Russia, where several countries, including Algeria, were granted “partner country” status.

South Africa’s opposition appears to stem from concerns over Morocco’s growing economic influence in Africa, with analysts suggesting Pretoria aims to limit Morocco’s expansion. The South African government previously claimed that Morocco had sought to join BRICS during the summit in Johannesburg last August, a claim that Moroccan officials denied.

Mohamed El Ghaith Maâlainine, a member of the Moroccan Center for Parallel Diplomacy, noted that the discussions surrounding Morocco’s potential membership reflect a broader geopolitical dynamic. “This talk is an attempt by South Africa to ease the pressure on its ally, Algeria,” he said. “Moreover, South Africa does not want influential countries on the continent, like Morocco, to join the organization.”

Maâlainine emphasized that Morocco has not actively sought membership in BRICS, preferring instead to maintain strong bilateral relationships with influential nations such as the United States and key European countries.

Abdul Fattah Belamchi, an international relations professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, stated that South Africa’s opposition is consistent with its hostile foreign policy toward Morocco. “This opposition not only targets Morocco’s economic interests but also its national sovereignty,” he explained.

Belamchi highlighted Morocco’s recent diplomatic efforts and investments across Africa, which he believes contribute to South Africa’s apprehension. He urged Pretoria to reassess its stance toward Morocco, suggesting that collaboration would be more beneficial in the face of expanding international influences in the region.