In a move that reflects clear support for Morocco in the Sahara issue, Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, announced his country’s intention to establish a consular project in Laayoune, confirming France’s determination to support Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara without any retreat. What are the political and diplomatic dimensions of this new French orientation? And how can it be linked to the broader context of international relations in the region?
Larcher’s Visit to Laayoune: A Strong Message of Support
The visit of Gérard Larcher to Laayoune, accompanied by the President of the Moroccan House of Councillors Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah, was not merely a protocol visit. It carried strong political messages. Larcher announced France’s intention to create a consular project in Laayoune, reflecting a strengthening of French diplomatic presence in the region and clear support for the development projects carried out by Morocco in the southern provinces.
Does this consular project mark the beginning of a new phase of Franco-Moroccan cooperation in the Sahara? What are the strategic objectives France seeks to achieve by enhancing its presence in the region?
Diplomatic Context: Ignoring Algeria and Strengthening the Alliance with Morocco
Larcher’s visit comes just days after that of Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, to the Moroccan Sahara, which had sparked significant anger in Algeria. Both Rabat and Paris ignored Algerian criticisms, confirming that France considers Morocco a strategic partner in the region and prefers to strengthen its relations with Morocco at the expense of its ties with Algeria.
Does this French disregard for Algeria reflect a shift in French foreign policy toward North Africa? How might these changes affect the political balances in the region?
French Support: Between Strategic Interests and Historical Partnership
France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, wields considerable influence on the international stage. Its clear support for Morocco in the Sahara issue reflects mutual strategic interests, especially in the context of major development projects undertaken by Morocco in the region, such as the Atlantic port in Laayoune. Additionally, the historical partnership between the two countries plays a significant role in strengthening this support.
Can French support for Morocco in the Sahara issue be seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance French influence in Africa? What are the economic and political interests France seeks to achieve through this support?
Algerian Reaction: Growing Anger and Diplomatic Impotence
Algeria responded to the latest French visit with an angry statement, describing Dati’s visit to the Moroccan Sahara as a “provocation.” However, it seems that Algeria is suffering from diplomatic impotence in the face of the growing alliance between Morocco and France, especially in light of previous U.S. support for Morocco in the Sahara issue.
Could this Algerian anger lead to a diplomatic or even military escalation in the region? What options are available to Algeria in the face of this Franco-Moroccan alliance?
Questions Raised:
- What are France’s strategic objectives in creating a consular project in Laayoune?
- How might French support for Morocco affect political balances in North Africa?
- What are the potential implications of Algerian anger on Franco-Algerian relations?
- Could French support for Morocco be a prelude to broader international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara?
Conclusion: Toward a Strategic Shift in French Policy
Gérard Larcher’s visit to Laayoune and his announcement of a French consular project in the city are not merely diplomatic gestures but a confirmation of a strategic shift in French policy regarding the Sahara issue. In the context of previous U.S. support and the growing alliance between Morocco and France, it seems that Morocco is achieving significant diplomatic gains that strengthen its position on this long-standing issue. Will these steps be a prelude to a final resolution of the Sahara issue? The answer remains in the hands of international and local actors.
