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A diplomatic waltz is coming to an end. After two years of tensions and sideways glances, Emmanuel Macron this week flew to Rabat. His three-day visit was far from trivial, as it crystallized the stakes of a Franco-Moroccan relationship that is both passionate and strategic. A period of differences between the two is swiftly evolving into an era of bilateral cooperation that will bolster both Rabat and Paris’ spheres of influence.
In the hushed corridors of the Quai d’Orsay, there are whispers that everything changed during a simple phone call: an exchange between the French president and King Mohammed that allegedly turned into a minor protocol drama. The French air of haughtiness was stonewalled by the rigid protocol of Rabat. But in Morocco, where protocol is not just a mere formality but the very essence of power, one does not trifle with codes. It has a centuries-old tradition in which each gesture, each word, carries the weight of history.
Over the last two years, a rift emerged between these historical and cultural partners. France sought to restrict immigration from Morocco and it steadily improved relations with Algeria. Morocco rightly perceived this to be an effective rejection of its claim over Western Sahara and indeed of the cordial ties that had existed between Paris and Rabat. As the rift grew, Rabat withdrew its ambassador to France and delayed the appointment of the French ambassador to Morocco. Rabat also declined French aid following the devastating earthquake in the Atlas in 2023, perceiving that Macron again breached protocol by seemingly addressing Moroccans directly.
France — which sees its influence in the Sahel dangerously eroding — needs solid allies in the region now more than ever
Zaid M. Belbagi
Yet, there was a striking paradox: while the chancelleries were eyeing each other warily, life continued on its natural course. In Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier, French cultural centers remained consistently busy. French, even while jostled by the rising power of English, remains the language of business and culture. Last year, Morocco remained the most popular holiday destination for French tourists seeking to venture out of Europe. Tourists, staying faithful, were not even discouraged by the earthquake. It was as if the heart had its reasons that diplomacy ignores.
But make no mistake, if Paris and Rabat are reuniting today, it is also due to geopolitical calculations. France — which sees its influence in the Sahel dangerously eroding (it has already exited Mali and Niger) — needs solid allies in the region now more than ever. And Morocco, strong in its economic and religious diplomacy in sub-Saharan Africa, has become an essential partner. As Morocco is inching closer to new international partners and adopting the English language, Paris has no option but to reengage or risk losing further influence over Francafrique.
Morocco is not in a position of weakness in this rapprochement. Without a doubt, as Morocco’s regional and global status has grown, its appetite for France’s traditional paternalistic approach has reduced. Since Paris clearly now supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, it is France that seems to be making eyes at its former protectorate. After decades of shuffling between its two former colonies, France has decisively supported Morocco and set the course for renewed bilateral collaboration — an evolution that has not gone unnoticed in Rabat, where the art of diplomatic patience is cultivated.
Morocco is forever entwined with France through historical and cultural ties and the occasional quarrel only strengthens the partnership
Zaid M. Belbagi
There is something almost romantic about this Franco-Moroccan relationship. Two countries that can neither fully love nor truly hate each other. Two nations condemned to dance together, between crises and reconciliations, in a diplomatic ballet as old as their modern states.
With Macron returning to Moroccan soil for the first time in more than six years, this visit reminds us of a fundamental truth: France and Morocco are like an old couple that regularly quarrel but never divorce. They stay together not out of mere habit, but because they know, deep down, that they are stronger together. Morocco is forever entwined with France through historical and cultural ties and the occasional quarrel only strengthens the partnership between the two countries.
Decades of cooperation cannot be tarnished by fleeting misunderstandings. During Macron’s visit, the two partners rightly looked at a vision for the next 30 years. The agreements they signed are the visible part of a deeper rapprochement. Beyond disputes and misunderstandings, Paris and Rabat share a conviction: their alliance, however complex it may be, remains a pillar of regional stability. In a world undergoing major changes, where geopolitical cards are being reshuffled at dizzying speeds, this certainty is worth a few protocol compromises.
- Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council. X: @Moulay_Zaid