Morocco and Russia: Testing the waters in a divided Africa

On Sunday in Sochi, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

While the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, it underscored the broader complexities of Morocco's cautious relationship with Moscow, particularly in the context of Russia's growing influence in Africa.

In recent years, the Kremlin has intensified its engagement with Africa, pursuing a strategy aimed at deepening ties with military regimes in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This approach involves military cooperation, often facilitated by mercenary groups such as the Wagner Group (Africa Corps), which has been linked to destabilization efforts across the continent. 

Russia’s expanded footprint in Africa is part of a broader campaign to counter Western influence and secure political and economic footholds in resource-rich regions.

The Kremlin's offensive has accelerated since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as Moscow seeks alternative partners and markets to circumvent international sanctions. This has led to a surge in Russian arms sales, mining contracts, and disinformation campaigns aimed at eroding trust in Western nations and fostering anti-colonial sentiments.

Morocco’s Delicate Diplomatic Position

Morocco, a key ally of the United States and European powers, has maintained a pragmatic but cautious approach to its relations with Russia. Rabat is acutely aware of the Kremlin’s strategy in Africa, which it does not support. 

Instead, Morocco prioritizes partnerships that align with its own geopolitical interests, particularly in securing recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara—a position Russia has consistently refrained from endorsing.

Moreover, Russia's close alliance with Algeria, Morocco's regional rival, adds another layer of tension. Algeria is a major buyer of Russian arms and a staunch opponent of Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara. This alliance underscores the broader geopolitical rift between Rabat and Moscow.

For Nasser Bourita, the visit to Sochi represented an opportunity to probe Moscow’s stance on critical issues. The meeting allowed Morocco to gauge Russia's intentions regarding its policy in Africa and its alignment with Algeria. It also served as a diplomatic test for Moscow's receptiveness to Morocco's concerns about security and territorial integrity.

Despite the official rhetoric of cooperation, the underlying disagreements between Rabat and Moscow are significant. Morocco remains wary of Russia's role in Africa, particularly its support for military juntas and its destabilizing influence, which could undermine regional stability and development.

The Broader Threat of Russian Destabilization

Russia’s engagement with African juntas has raised alarms among Western nations and regional powers. In Mali, Burkina Faso,  Central African Republic and Niger, Russian support has emboldened anti-Western rhetoric and disrupted efforts to establish democratic governance. 

The presence of Wagner mercenaries in these countries has been linked to human rights abuses, economic exploitation, and a growing disconnect between African nations and traditional Western allies.

This destabilizing strategy threatens not only individual nations but also the broader African continent, as it exacerbates security challenges, undermines multilateral cooperation, and fuels geopolitical rivalries.