France’s President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a state visit to Morocco after years of tensions and canceled trips, signaling a reconciliation between the two nations over the Western Sahara issue. The visit, scheduled from October 28, will last three days and aims to revive the strained relationship between the two countries.
The announcement of Macron’s visit comes after France endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in July, aligning itself with Rabat’s stance on the issue. The move marks a significant departure from France’s previous position, where it had avoided taking a clear stance to maintain relations with Algeria, a key ally in Africa.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, remains a “non-self-governing territory” according to the UN, with Morocco and the Polisario Front at odds over its sovereignty. While Morocco advocates for an autonomy plan under its control, the Polisario Front seeks a UN-backed self-determination referendum, agreed upon in 1991 but never held.
Macron’s upcoming visit to Morocco, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, aims to reset relations between the two countries after years of diplomatic friction. The trip, long-awaited but postponed several times, follows high-ranking French officials’ visits to Morocco earlier this year to pave the way for Macron’s tour.
The strained relations between France and Morocco in recent years were exacerbated by the Pegasus spyware scandal, visa restrictions for North African countries, and Macron’s attempts to improve ties with Algeria. The European Parliament’s vote condemning press freedom in Morocco further deepened the rift between the two nations.
Despite the diplomatic challenges, France’s pivot on the Western Sahara issue has already started to yield economic benefits. French companies are eyeing projects in Western Sahara, such as a desalination plant and a wind farm, following France’s shift in support of Morocco’s autonomy plan.
Macron’s visit to Morocco signifies a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, focusing on strengthening ties and fostering economic cooperation. The trip also underscores the evolving dynamics in the region and the strategic importance of resolving long-standing conflicts through diplomatic engagement and mutual understanding.