Morocco’s Strategic Play: Outmaneuvering Algeria in the Western Sahara Conflict
Morocco’s Strategic Play: Shifting the Narrative on the Western Sahara
The conflict-open-warfare/” title=”Is the Middle East on the Brink of Open War?”>recent events at the TICAD summit in Japan have brought the ongoing Western Sahara conflict back into the spotlight. While the details of the summit are important, the real takeaway for Morocco lies in understanding the evolving international dynamics surrounding the issue and adapting its strategy accordingly.
For decades, Morocco has maintained that the conflict is a bilateral issue between itself and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement seeking independence for the territory. However, Algeria’s unwavering support for the Polisario Front and its hosting of Sahrawi refugees has complicated the situation.
Now, Morocco appears to be employing a strategic approach reminiscent of a chess game, aiming to reframe the narrative and expose Algeria’s role in the conflict. This strategy involves several key elements:
1. Highlighting International Support for Moroccan Autonomy: Morocco has consistently gained traction for its proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This plan, which would grant the territory self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, has garnered significant international support. Notably, the United States, under the Trump administration, formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020. This recognition was reaffirmed by the Biden administration in 2021.
2. Emphasizing Economic Development in Western Sahara: Morocco has invested heavily in the economic development of Western Sahara, aiming to improve living standards and demonstrate the tangible benefits of integration. Major infrastructure projects, including the development of the Dakhla Atlantic Port, are attracting foreign investment and creating new economic opportunities for the Sahrawi people.
3. Engaging Directly with the Sahrawi Population: Morocco has made efforts to engage directly with the Sahrawi population, promoting cultural exchange programs and providing opportunities for education and employment within Morocco. This approach seeks to build bridges and foster a sense of shared identity.
4. Exposing Algeria’s Role as a Protagonist: Morocco argues that Algeria is not a neutral observer in the conflict but rather a key protagonist. By providing financial and military support to the Polisario Front, Morocco contends that Algeria is actively perpetuating the conflict and hindering a peaceful resolution.
This multi-pronged strategy aims to shift the international community’s perception of the conflict, moving away from the traditional narrative of a liberation struggle and towards a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved.
The success of Morocco’s strategy remains to be seen. However, the evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by shifting alliances and a renewed focus on regional stability, suggests that Morocco’s proactive approach may be gaining traction. The international community’s increasing acceptance of Morocco’s autonomy plan and its growing frustration with the stalemate in the peace process could ultimately force Algeria to reconsider its position and engage in a more constructive dialogue.
