French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu arrived in Rabat on July 15, leading a delegation of over a dozen ministers. The visit coincides with heightened tensions over human rights concerns, as Moroccan authorities recently initiated legal proceedings against a journalist and an artist. Mehdi Alioua, a sociologist at the International University of Rabat and chair of Migration, Mobility and Cosmopolitanism Studies, shares his insights on the evolving France-Morocco relationship—particularly its implications for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mohammed VI.
Can Morocco Help Heal Fractured France-Sahel Relations?
Given the strained relations between France and countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—where Morocco’s influence is growing—could Rabat play a role in improving these diplomatic ties?
Yes, Morocco is earnestly attempting to mediate. However, I don’t believe the deterioration is rooted in public sentiment. The real issue lies at the political level. Take Mali, for example: many Franco-Malians feel the strain stems from political decisions rather than public sentiment. New political regimes have exploited anti-French rhetoric and populist sentiments, which is not how Moroccan diplomacy operates.
It’s essential to remember that Morocco’s relationships with Sahelian countries span millennia—long before Islam—and have only deepened over time. The Almoravid dynasty, which gave the French language the word marabout, originated from the Sahel. Ruling from Aghmat, near Marrakech, they governed an empire stretching from Spain to Guinea and present-day Mali. These enduring historical ties allow Moroccan diplomacy to effectively revive and strengthen these connections. We are neighbors separated by the Sahara, a desert we have navigated for centuries.
Human Rights Concerns in Morocco
Question: Recently, Moroccan authorities have detained prominent critics, including Franco-Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet and rapper Mehdi Black Wind. Should this raise concerns?
Detaining journalists or artists is always troubling. In this case, the legal process is handled by an ostensibly independent judiciary. Those detained still have the right to defend themselves. Ali Lmrabet has been released but remains under investigation. The case involving Mehdi Black Wind is less clear, but human rights lawyers and activists are mobilizing to defend him. The judiciary will ultimately present its charges. Morocco has made remarkable progress in human rights over the years, yet occasional lapses into old habits persist.
Does Morocco Match France’s Appeal in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Question: Returning to the earlier concept of a France-Morocco rivalry—does Morocco hold the same allure for Sub-Saharan Africans as Paris once did—or still does?
Not at all. However, Morocco is increasingly attracting attention, thanks to a deliberate strategy by its authorities. The African Nations Championship (CHAN) and major investments in sports infrastructure demonstrate Morocco’s ambition to position itself as a continental leader. But this strategy carries risks. On one hand, Moroccan society questions the prioritization of stadiums over addressing endemic poverty. On the other, a diplomatic misstep—such as the recent rivalry with Senegal during a high-profile football final—can quickly shift African public opinion against Morocco. Bold claims about world-class pitches and Morocco’s superiority in African football, made without humility, have also backfired. The reality is that Morocco, as a lower-middle-income country, will never match France’s global appeal until it achieves greater economic prosperity. Only then will Morocco attract as much—or more—attention than France.
