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Rabat has continued to extend its growing influence in continental politics, despite Algerian attempts to interfere.
Denver – Since Morocco’s monumental decision to return to the African Union more than four years ago, the country has strived to establish beneficial relations with many countries on the continent.
The relations were rooted in mutual objectives of regional stability and cooperation, and resulted in Morocco’s growing diplomatic weight in African geopolitics. Despite this, Algeria remains adamant about limiting Morocco’s regional and continental influence by both overtly political and aggressive means.
Morocco has made considerable progress since joining the AU. In a recent interview with South African media, FM Bourita highlighted the “1,000 cooperation agreements” signed with various members of the continental alliance. These agreements have included the development of bilateral relations, security cooperation and other mutually beneficial avenues.
Morocco has also played an increasingly active role in African Union affairs. Due to Morocco’s long history and expertise in tackling transnational irregular migration, AU officials agreed to establish the African Migration Observatory in the Moroccan capital last year. These initiatives, although beneficial for the continent as a whole, have effectively reduced the importance of Algeria in the geopolitical dynamic in Africa.
Recognizing their reduced influence, the Algerian regime is committed to hamper Moroccan initiatives by aggressive behavior on the international scene. Meanwhile, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Morocco has become a source of assistance for many African countries. Morocco has donated vaccines and life-saving medical supplies to Tunisia, the DRC and more than two dozen African countries during the pandemic.
Recently, Morocco has also tried to give aid to Algeria to help with the forest fires that have ravaged the country. However, King Mohammed VI’s offers were rejected by the Algerian regime.
It appears that in the face of Morocco’s growing continental influence and the “existential threat” facing the Algerian political establishment, the government in Algiers is determined to continue its unwarranted opposition to Morocco’s diplomatic growth.
Algeria also continued to step up its support for the Polisario militias. With equipment and logistical support, Algeria continued to support the nascent rebel group in an attempt to create instability in Western Sahara. Morocco, however, continued its operations against the Polisario, thwarting Algeria’s attempts to undermine Morocco’s regional sovereignty.
The international community has also started to move away from the Polisario movement.
After the recent recognition by the United States of the sovereignty of Morocco, nearly two dozen countries established diplomatic outposts in the region. The citizens of Laâyoune and Dakhla also flocked to the polls in the recent general elections, signaling Morocco’s support and an effective end to the outdated vision of the Western Sahara conflict.
Countries like Nigeria, historical supporter of the Polisario movement, have now changed their attitude to the current situation. The opportunity to invest in the southern provinces of Morocco and the benefit of the region as a “gateway to Africa” is now a win-win scenario for many surrounding African countries.
The paradigm shift left the Polisario virtually isolated and deprived Algeria of the little influence it had left in the region. In response, the Algerian government has resorted to unfounded accusations and hostile rhetoric to blame Morocco for the country’s poor political situation.
However, the current reality of the situation remains that Morocco has positioned itself strategically through diplomatic relations to be a leader on the African continent. With Africa becoming an economic powerhouse, many countries have begun to look for ways to develop stronger continental relations and eliminate the often abusive trade relations that developed countries have historically imposed on them.
In this regard, Morocco has become a kind of crossroads between the commercial interests of the developed world and the economic potential of developing countries. As Algerian officials continue to use their last influence to continue the minor conflict against Morocco, Rabat has effectively ensured that the country remains a viable ally and trading partner both on the continent and in the world.
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