France eyes investment in Western Sahara
France has signaled its support for Morocco’s investment initiatives in Western Sahara, signaling a bold shift in its foreign policy towards the disputed territory. As reported by the New Arab on April 4th, Paris’s foreign policy shift, which comes amid thawing relations with Rabat, comes at a potential cost to its relations with Algeria.
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French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné’s visit to Rabat in February marked a pivotal moment, as he stated that France is going to “accompany” Morocco in its development of the region. While the French FM indicated that his country might begin investing in Western Sahara, he avoided commenting on Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed region.
According to intelligence reports, the French presidential palace, is urging private groups to begin planning investments. The impending visit of Franck Riester, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, to Rabat, is also expected to relate to a push for the granting of structuring programs in Western Sahara to French companies. These developments suggest a reinvigorated French policy towards strengthening its relationship with Morocco.
The diplomatic thaw between the two represents a departure from recent years of strained relations which have been marked by allegations of espionage, visa policy disputes, and even a rejection of earthquake relief aid. Yet Séjourné’s effort to steer clear of any political statements on the political status of Western Sahara is an attempt to maintain the diplomatic balance in the Maghreb.
READ: Is France’s FM a friend or foe to Morocco’s Sahara bid?
This new pivot towards a tighter axis between Paris and Rabat risks agitating Algeria, which currently supports the Polisario Front, a Saharan independence movement. This support is directly linked to the fallout in diplomatic relations between Morocco and Algeria which has lasted for decades. As France attempts to invest in Western Sahara it will have to carefully manage its relations with Algiers.
France’s move aligns with broader international investment interest in the region. Recently the United States State Department announced more than $500,000 in investments toward projects which promote financial growth in Dakhla and Laayoune. Development projects in Western Sahara involve a variety of sectors including renewable energy, tourism, and the blue economy.
The New Arab
