France has reaffirmed its “intangible” support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, according to statements made by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu during the XVe High-Level Morocco-France Meeting in Rabat on July 16. This strategic shift, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to establish a durable foreign policy orientation that persists regardless of future French electoral changes.
Did You Know? President Emmanuel Macron officially stated in a July 30, 2024, message to King Mohammed VI that he considers both the present and future of the Sahara to be within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
French Strategic Shift on Western Sahara Sovereignty
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described France’s position on the Moroccan Sahara as a firm and lasting orientation of the French state. During the meeting, copresided with Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu stated that France remains “loyal and faithful” to Morocco.
This commitment moves the issue beyond a temporary government decision. It is now framed as a structural element of bilateral cooperation designed to build mutual trust and strategic convergence between Paris and Rabat.
14 Bilateral Agreements Across Seven Sectors
The two nations signed 14 agreements and cooperation instruments to expand their partnership beyond economic ties. These accords cover diplomacy, security, defense, infrastructure, water management, research, and digital transformation.
Key agreements include:
- Transport and Infrastructure: Three accords covering civil aviation, a partnership between the École nationale supérieure maritime (ENSM) and the Institut supérieur d’études maritimes (ISEM), and an Agence française de développement (AFD) loan for the Rabat Regional Express Network (RER).
- Water and Environment: An AFD loan for water policy and a cooperation agreement between CEREMA and the Laboratoire public d’essais et d’études (LPEE).
- Education and Science: A declaration on teaching Arabic language, history, and geography in French schools, and a scientific cooperation project between CIRAD and the Institut agronomique et vétérinaire Hassan II (IAV).
- Culture: A strategic partnership between the Institut du monde arabe and the ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, plus agreements on artist residencies and the Fund for African authors and producers.
- Digital and Defense: A cooperation agreement between Groupe La Poste and Barid Al-Maghrib, and a technical accord regarding military archives.
- Diplomacy: A letter of intent regarding feminist foreign policy cooperation.
Joint Strategic Focus on African Integration
Rabat and Paris have identified Africa as a shared strategic priority. According to the meeting’s outcomes, the two countries intend to replace traditional aid models with a “win-win” partnership based on investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
Morocco serves as a logistical and financial bridge between Europe and Africa. France intends to leverage Morocco’s economic presence across the continent to coordinate joint initiatives in energy, agriculture, connectivity, and digitalization.
The partnership may focus on enhancing regional resilience and stability, specifically within West Africa and the Atlantic space, as both nations seek closer integration of African economies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official French position on the Western Sahara?
According to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron, France considers the present and future of the Sahara to be within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, describing this position as “intangible.”
How many agreements were signed during the XVe High-Level Meeting?
A total of 14 agreements were signed across seven key domains, including defense, water management, transport, and digital services.
What is the goal of the Morocco-France partnership in Africa?
The two countries aim to promote a model of cooperation based on investment and innovation rather than traditional aid, utilizing Morocco’s position as a bridge between Europe and Africa to foster regional stability and growth.
How might this strengthened diplomatic alignment influence broader European relations with the African continent?
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