Lately, Franco-Moroccan relations have never ceased to experience repetitive tensions so much so that From now on, the crises between Morocco and France follow one another and no longer resemble each other.
Since the Kingdom got rid of the colonialist yoke, each time, they have differed according to the circumstances of the moment, enamelled in this, more or less tumultuous episodes and sometimes so long that we forget the experience of the excellent relationships. However the similarity in the the fact of developing gradually is, so to speak, unique to them each time. Let’s see !
Without going too far back in time, we will only refer to the last three crises that have occurred since 2014 and of which the last of its deafening silence still runs. The scenario of their unfolding remains the same whatever the cause. First there is discontent and anger of Morocco for one fact or another.
France in response gives himself a moment of respite and with a few soothing waves tries to calm down. The crisis then smolders and generally it degenerates into another more serious one. But in the end, Paris will eventually recognize the legitimacy of Moroccan protests by committing to repair the wrong, even if it means contradicting its initiative and questioning its slowness to understand.
Until when, the Kingdom and his whole company will he have to bear the frustration that certain regimes of the Fifth Republic in search of internal populism are trying to impose in the name of lost popularity? However, referring to links and interests, economic, cultural, political… common, these low blows should not take place. One of them, which some have called “the slap in the face of Neuilly” is even more serious.
Indeed a big quarrel had broken out between the France of Holland and the Kingdom in February 2014, when a French judge had delivered to the residence of the ambassador of Morocco in Paris (Neuilly), by seven police officers (including three hooded) a summons targeting the Director of the DGSN (General Directorate of National Security) at the time, Abdellatif Hammouchi, who was then in France. In Morocco, this fact was very badly experienced, especially since it targeted one of the main leaders of the country. The Kingdom suddenly suspended its security cooperation with France.
Throughout 2014, diplomatic incidents multiplied, fueling the annoyance of the Moroccan authorities. Among these hiccups, an unjustified police search of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco at the time, Salaheddine Mezouar (2013/2017) at Charles De Gaule airport in Paris.
Later in 2015, France resigned itself and agreed to sign an agreement so that such events would not happen again. This is thanks to the meticulous work carried out by Elisabeth Guigou, then president of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, who had this convention adopted by Parliament largely approved.
From that time to today we will remember the visa crisis, which occurred in September 2021. During the presidential campaign, where Macron, struggling for votes against the far right, “decreed” a reduction in visa issuance. Unfortunately, the people targeted by this retaliation obviously did not fall within the category supposed to be targeted.
Those who paid the costs of this policy of pressure were the Moroccan French-speaking elites and the expected results were different. Indeed the affected citizens turned against France and not against the Moroccan government contrary to what the French authorities were aiming for. When the visa restrictions were lifted during the visit to Morocco of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, it was believed then that there was an upturn. But nay!
Indeed, in January 2023 the “crisis of resolution” broke out, when thehe European Parliament has passed a text accusing Morocco of attacks on freedom, in particular that of the press. Worse still, the “macronist” deputies unanimously voted for it, unlike the deputies of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), in power in Spain. France has highlighted the independence of the European Parliament.
Macron, to remain in line with the attitudes of a dissatisfied Morocco, certainly rebelled, saying his “impropriety of interference in the internal affairs of a friendly country”. But the damage had been done and who better than him could have caused it. It’s like who would say that, the French head of state must reconsider the Moroccan file in another way as soon as he approaches it…
These crises and others (Pegasus, Qatargate, etc.) which are based on suspicions without being able to provide proof or certainty, do not, however, summarize recent bilateral relations between France and Morocco. During this last decade, exchanges at various levels and on all levels have had strong moments and mutual gestures of friendship. But as an ad would say, “that was before!“
The post Love and dislove or the complex Franco-Moroccan singularity appeared first on MoroccoLatestNews Français – Actualités du Maroc.