With this strong nomination for the key position within the African Union, Morocco takes a decisive step toward burying the fabricated conflict created by Algeria over the Moroccan Sahara issue. After years of quiet diplomatic maneuvers and ongoing successes, Rabat appears on the verge of undermining one of the pillars of Algerian foreign policy, which thrives on this conflict and uses it as a scapegoat for its political, economic, and social failures. Morocco’s victory in securing this position would not merely be a diplomatic triumph but a strategic step in dismantling the regional tension axes that Algeria relies on to justify its internal crises and mislead the public from the deteriorating conditions across all levels.
“As the elections approach in February 2025, the race for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission intensifies, with four countries—Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Libya—in a heated competition that goes beyond the position itself, carrying complex political dimensions linked to the Moroccan Sahara issue and regional tensions.”
Latifa Akharbach’s Candidacy and the Background of the Competition
The Kingdom of Morocco has nominated Latifa Akharbach, Chairwoman of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. This nomination is based on her extensive experience in diplomacy and media, having served in key roles such as Morocco’s Ambassador to Tunisia and Bulgaria, in addition to her work as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. This candidacy reflects Morocco’s continued diplomatic efforts to strengthen its presence on the African stage, particularly following the Kingdom’s numerous achievements across the continent.
On the other hand, Algeria is striving to challenge Morocco for this position by nominating diplomat Salma Malika Haddadi, Ambassador to Ethiopia. Algeria’s primary goal is to leverage this position to bolster support for the separatist Polisario Front within the African Union, despite the significant shifts in the stances of African countries, which have increasingly leaned toward Morocco’s initiatives for resolving the conflict.
The Political and Diplomatic Context
The Moroccan Sahara issue lies at the heart of the rivalry between Rabat and Algiers on the African stage. Since Morocco regained its seat in the African Union in 2016, it has worked to dismantle the separatist narrative backed by Algeria. In this context, Latifa Akharbach’s victory in securing this position could be a significant boost for Morocco in reaffirming the Moroccan Sahara’s status and promoting the autonomy initiative, which is widely seen as the most realistic and supported solution on both the international and regional levels.
In contrast, Algeria faces numerous diplomatic setbacks within Africa, as its traditional influence has waned in the face of Morocco’s diplomatic victories. Although Algeria continues to support the Polisario Front, this rhetoric is increasingly falling on deaf ears, with many African countries now expressing support for Morocco’s political and economic initiatives, which are grounded in realism and quiet diplomacy.
Future Expectations and Open Questions
As the election date nears, questions arise regarding the impact of this rivalry on the balance of power within the African Union. Will Morocco be able to strengthen its regional and international standing if Latifa Akharbach secures the position? What strategy will Algeria adopt to counter Morocco’s diplomatic rise? Moreover, how might this election affect the future of the Sahara issue within the African Union, and will these developments lead to a fundamental shift in African countries’ positions on the conflict?
Amidst this fierce competition, anticipation is high. The outcome of the race for the Deputy Chairperson position will set a new course for the African bloc, reflecting the deep political and diplomatic struggle between Rabat and Algiers on both regional and continental levels.
