Macron's Moroccan mission: Repairing relations in the face of France’s decline

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a state visit to Morocco from October 28 to 30, aiming to reset bilateral relations after a period of intense crisis. 

This visit comes at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, following years of strained ties between the two nations. The royal cabinet's statement highlights the "depth of bilateral relations" between France and Morocco, emphasizing a "shared will" to strengthen the multifaceted links that unite them.

The relationship between the two countries hit a low point in recent years, exacerbated by France’s sharp reduction in visas for Moroccan nationals in 2021, which was only reversed in December 2022. Additionally, Macron’s diplomatic outreach to Algeria in 2022, aimed at fostering a reconciliation with Rabat's regional rival, further soured ties with Morocco.

However, a significant diplomatic shift occurred on July 30, when France expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a territory that has been disputed for nearly 50 years. 

Macron declared in a letter to King Mohammed VI that the “present and future of Western Sahara lies within Moroccan sovereignty,” a move seen as pivotal in mending relations.

Despite these efforts, Macron arrives in Morocco politically weakened. 

With low popularity in France and limited room for maneuver on the international stage, his diplomatic influence is not what it once was. 

This decline in French clout is not lost on Morocco, which has been broadening its network of international partners. 

In the past, France held significant sway in North Africa, but today, Rabat’s outreach extends beyond its traditional allies to forge new strategic relationships with countries such as the United States, China, and Gulf nations.

France’s diminishing role in global affairs is also apparent in its handling of other crises and its strained relations with former colonies. 

Morocco’s expanding geopolitical influence shows that Rabat no longer views France as its primary or exclusive partner. 

Macron's visit, his first to Morocco since November 2018, is an opportunity to repair ties, but it also underscores the changing dynamics between the two nations. 

The kingdom is now more confident and assertive on the international stage, while France seeks to maintain its relevance.

As Macron looks to repair relations with Morocco, it’s clear that Paris can no longer take its influence in North Africa for granted. 

Morocco, recognizing the shifting balance of power, continues to diversify its strategic alliances, leaving France to navigate a new diplomatic reality.