The provided text describes Morocco’s diplomatic strategy under King mohammed VI, focusing on its return to the African Union and its efforts to gain international recognition for the “Moroccanity of the Sahara.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
South Africa’s alleged agenda: The text begins by suggesting South africa aimed to establish its hegemony within Pan-African institutions and use them to advance its agenda on the “Sahara file.”
Morocco’s strategy: King Mohammed VI is portrayed as having implemented an “intelligent strategy” based on national interests rather than solely on international law. This strategy involved a patient and controlled deployment over time.
Focus on Africa: The core of Morocco’s success is attributed to understanding that the primary arena for action was the African continent, given Morocco’s strong ties there.
Pre-return engagement: Before officially rejoining the African Union, King Mohammed VI undertook extensive visits to numerous African countries, engaging with both capitals and remote areas.
Economic and social agreements: During these visits, Morocco signed “win-win” economic and social agreements, extending its economic influence through investments in sectors like banking, air travel, and telecommunications.
Continental projects: Morocco also initiated large-scale continental projects, such as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and the Atlantic Royal Initiative for Sahel countries.
Return to the African Union: This economic engagement is presented as a prelude to Morocco’s political return to the African Union in July 2016, after a 32-year absence.
Impact on Algeria’s influence: The text claims Morocco’s return “rang the death knell for the hegemony of Algeria on the African Union.”
Shift in the Sahara file: Within two years of Morocco’s return, the African Union is said to have divested itself from the Sahara file, leaving it to the UN.
Withdrawal of recognition: Many African countries afterward withdrew their recognition of the “RASD” (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) and recognized the “Moroccanity of the Sahara.”
Global expansion of recognition: This dynamic is described as extending globally, with significant recognition gained from the USA and major European Union powers.
Future expectations: The text concludes by suggesting that the “decisive recognition” of the “Moroccanity of the sahara” might come from the UN Security Council in its upcoming October meeting.
In essence, the text presents a narrative of Morocco’s successful diplomatic campaign, driven by a strategic focus on Africa and economic engagement, leading to a shift in the international perception of the Sahara issue.
