Morocco's Emergence as a Regional Power
In a recent discussion, international relations expert Lahcen Aqartit emphasized that Morocco is actively redefining the geopolitical map of the region, positioning itself as a genuine regional power. His insights, shared during an appearance on the "Hespress Discussion" program, highlighted Morocco's recent diplomatic maneuvers across significant African capitals including Cairo, Nairobi, Niamey, and Bamako. These moves, coupled with the reaffirmation of positions by São Tomé and Gabon, signal a notable political and geopolitical realignment in favor of Morocco's claims over Western Sahara.
Aqartit argued that this historical breakthrough was not coincidental but rather a product of a clear political vision and a robust strategic mindset capable of adapting to international changes since 2017. Thanks to this strategy, Morocco has successfully disrupted the traditional dynamics that created illusory balances between Morocco and Algeria. This shift has been particularly evident in the supportive European stances towards Morocco, especially from Madrid and Paris, alongside Germany's retreat from its previous positions following a decisive Moroccan response.
Shifting Alliances and the Decline of the Polisario Front
The expert also underscored that Morocco's re-entry into the African Union was fundamentally an African demand aimed at restoring the organization's functionality, which had been marred by the interference of states hostile to Morocco. He noted that the strongholds supporting the Polisario Front are gradually collapsing, as evidenced by Kenya's clear statement on coordinating efforts to resolve the fabricated conflict, and Mali's withdrawal of recognition of the fictitious entity despite facing its own security challenges.
Aqartit interpreted this shift as a testament to the Sahel countries and Africa's overall reliance on Morocco's approach, which respects state sovereignty and confronts separatist entities. This approach is bolstered by Morocco's political stability, institutional strength, and economic resurgence. In stark contrast, he described Algeria as being ensnared in a strategic quagmire and experiencing severe international isolation, as its approaches have faltered both in Africa and beyond.
Furthermore, Aqartit pointed out that Algeria's attempts to leverage its relationship with the Pope or use its gas resources to blackmail Europe are limited in effectiveness and reflect an inability to restore lost equilibrium. The deafening silence of the Algerian foreign ministry regarding significant international events and supportive stances towards Morocco illustrates a sovereignty decline rooted in strategic failures and the draining of Algerian resources without yielding any development. Meanwhile, Morocco continues to advance its major strategic projects and infrastructure at a rapid pace.
On a global scale, Aqartit noted that the international trend, whether regarding the United States, Russia, or China, leans towards de-escalation and support for political and economic stability. This shift places regimes that promote chaos, such as Algeria and Iran, outside the historical trajectory. He affirmed that the international community now views the Moroccan military as a strategic partner in maintaining trade routes and regional security, a sentiment echoed in military agreements with Washington.
In conclusion, Aqartit asserted that the continued presence of the Polisario Front in the African Union represents a historical mistake that contradicts international law principles, which limit membership to sovereign states. He indicated that the forced absence of this fictitious entity from international African summits, such as TICAD and those involving China, Russia, and the United States, paves the way for its expedited expulsion from the African Union, coinciding with the ongoing momentum of opening consulates in the southern regions of Morocco.
As reported by hespress.com.
