Morocco’s African Diplomacy and the Shifting Sands of the Western Sahara Dispute
The Western Sahara conflict-open-warfare/” title=”Is the Middle East on the Brink of Open War?”>dispute, a decades-long conflict over the territory’s sovereignty, remains a complex and sensitive issue. Morocco’s approach to the dispute, particularly its engagement with other African nations, has played a significant role in shaping the continental landscape of opinions and alliances. This article explores how Morocco’s African policy has influenced the positions of other African countries on the Western Sahara, examining the historical context, key diplomatic strategies, and the evolving dynamics of this geopolitical puzzle.
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the 1970s, a period marked by the rise of liberation movements and the principle of self-determination across Africa and Asia. As many nations gained independence, the Western Sahara became a focal point, often viewed as a struggle between colonial legacies and the right to self-governance. This historical context is crucial for understanding the initial wave of support for the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi independence movement, from many newly independent African states.
However, Morocco has consistently maintained its historical claim to the territory, citing centuries-old ties and arguing for an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Over the years, Morocco has implemented a multifaceted African policy to garner support for its position. This strategy has involved
