155 Global News Post #1

Amid Unresolved Tensions, France Says ‘There Is No Crisis’ With Morocco

Tensions between Morocco and previous colonizer France have been many for the last few years as the two counties navigate a complicated diplomatic rift. While a spokesperson for France’s Foreign Ministry assured the North African country that the two are not at odds with each other, Morccans would argue otherwise. French-imposed visa restrictions on Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia that were originally meant to target undocumented immigrants from these countries in France continue to cause headaches for Moroccans. Additionally, France’s unwillingness to voice clear support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region further stresses the relationship between the two countries. Morocco’s King urged all allies, including France, to make their stances on the Morocco-Western Sahara issue unquestionably clear.

This article utilizes quotes from government officials and experiences of an individual impacted by the visa restrictions. France-Morocco relations have historically been fraught with tensions due to their past relationship as colonizer and colonized. Many Moroccans have a deep disdain for France as a whole. While other countries such as the U.S have clearly stated support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, France has not been able to provide a clear answer. Morocco has been deepening its relationship with the U.S in recent years, which could also be contributing to the tensions, especially on France’s end.

Image Citation: Aamari, O.2023 [The Moroccan and French foreign ministers shaking hands in Rabat] Morocco World News. https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/01/353732/amid-unresolved-tensions-france-says-there-is-no-crisis-with-morocco