Faith Nyasuguta
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to begin a significant visit to Morocco on Monday, aiming to mend relations with the North African country after years of tension.
This trip, following an invitation from Moroccan King Mohammed VI in late September, is seen as a step towards “new ambitions for the next 30 years” of the France-Morocco relationship, according to Macron’s office. The Moroccan royal palace echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the “rooted and solid partnership” between the two nations and their shared desire to “strengthen the ties” that unite them.
The visit comes after a period of strained relations between Paris and Rabat, primarily due to France’s ambiguous stance on the disputed Western Sahara and Macron’s efforts to improve ties with Algeria.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is largely controlled by Morocco but is claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which declared a “self-defence war” in 2020 and seeks the territory’s independence. In July, Macron attempted to ease tensions by stating that Morocco’s autonomy plan for the territory was the “only basis” to resolve the decades-old conflict.
Khadija Mohsen-Finan, a political scientist specializing in northern Africa, noted that the trip signifies a mutual decision by both countries to improve relations and set aside their disputes. This visit, Macron’s second to Morocco since 2018, will involve one-on-one meetings between the two heads of state and the signing of several agreements on energy, water, education, and security.
The two countries have also faced disagreements over visa policies. In 2021, France halved the number of visas granted to Moroccans, a decision that was later revoked in 2022. This move had strained relations further, but the upcoming visit is expected to address and resolve such issues.
Morocco holds significant strategic importance, with the potential to serve as a hub between Europe and Africa, particularly in terms of infrastructure and electricity. Macron’s office highlighted this potential, noting that mending relations with Morocco would enable France to “rely on Morocco in Africa and the Sahel,” where France has lost influence, while Morocco continues to expand its own.
During the three-day visit, Macron is scheduled to meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and address Morocco’s Parliament. The agenda includes discussions on trade, climate change, and immigration. The visit follows France’s recent support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, a move that has strained relations with Algeria but delighted Moroccan officials.
France and Morocco have historically partnered on various issues, including counterterrorism and economic cooperation. Morocco is the top destination for French investment in Africa, and France is Morocco’s top trade partner. The two countries have collaborated on significant projects, such as the Al Boraq high-speed rail line, inaugurated by Macron and King Mohammed VI during Macron’s last visit in 2018.
Despite close ties, relations have occasionally been fragile. In 2021, Morocco suspended consular relations with France after the latter reduced the number of visas offered to Moroccans. Relations soured further when reports emerged that Moroccan security services had used Israeli spyware to infiltrate the devices of activists and politicians, including Macron. Morocco denied these allegations and sued over the claims.
Macron’s visit is expected to open the door to future economic deals. Morocco is a major destination for French investment in Africa, with over 900 French subsidiaries operating there. French engineering firm Egis is set to extend Morocco’s high-speed rail line from Kenitra to Marrakesh, while French energy company Engie is building a seawater desalination plant in Dakhla, in partnership with Moroccan firm Nareva. Engie is also constructing a wind farm in the region.
As Macron embarks on this diplomatic mission, the hope is that the visit will mark the beginning of a renewed and strengthened partnership between France and Morocco, addressing past grievances and paving the way for future cooperation.
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