Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita received on Friday the credentials of Jessica Muthoni Gakina, Kenya’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Rabat. This step symbolizes the growing rapprochement between the two countries, who are strengthening their relations and cooperation, which could soon lead to Kenya announcing its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara—a region that Kenya previously supported on the side of the separatist Polisario Front.
In recent years, Nairobi has stepped up its efforts to develop relations with Rabat, particularly through economic partnerships, especially in the agricultural sector, where the country hopes to benefit from Morocco’s expertise in fertilizer production.
MFA Nasser Bourita received, today in Rabat, H.E. Ms. Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, who presented the figured copies of her credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to His Majesty King Mohammed VI may God assist Him.@SingoeiAKorir pic.twitter.com/1BBzIEpmJp
— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) August 30, 2024
This rapprochement between Morocco and Kenya raises concerns for the Polisario Front and its main ally, Algeria, who see their attempts to prolong the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara threatened by this diplomatic shift.
Rabat, for its part, has also worked to strengthen its ties with Nairobi, as evidenced by Bourita’s visit to Kenya last May, where he represented King Mohammed VI at the African summit on fertilizers and soil health. This visit marked an important step in Morocco’s efforts to deepen its relations with Kenya.
Kenya now seems ready to reassess its position on the Moroccan Sahara issue, with signals indicating a possible withdrawal of its support for the Polisario Front, as support for Morocco’s autonomy solution under Moroccan sovereignty gains ground in Africa and internationally.
Kenyan President William Ruto is expected to visit Morocco soon, a visit that could mark a decisive turning point in bilateral relations and lead to Nairobi’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
