Morocco's Diplomatic Defeat at the Pan-African Parliament
In a significant diplomatic blow, Morocco faced a stark defeat during the recent Pan-African Parliament elections held in Midrand, South Africa, from April 28 to 30, 2026. Despite the Moroccan government's extensive efforts to garner support from its North African counterparts, the nation found itself sidelined from all key strategic positions in the parliamentary framework. In contrast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Mauritania emerged victorious, securing the principal posts within the institution. The election of Algerian senator Fateh Boutbig as President of the Pan-African Parliament has further highlighted Morocco's increasing isolation within its regional bloc.
One of the most alarming outcomes for Morocco was evident during the pivotal vote concerning the regional candidacy for the presidency of the Pan-African Parliament. Algeria managed to garner an impressive 19 votes, while Morocco could only secure a mere 4 votes. Eyewitness accounts from diplomats in attendance described the Moroccan delegation's reaction as nothing short of hysterical, led by Lahcen Haddad, who reportedly issued threats against officials from the African Union and questioned the integrity of the voting process.
In what many observers viewed as a desperate attempt to regain some semblance of influence, Morocco appealed to the African Union Commission to consider Haddad's candidacy for the presidency alongside Boutbig's. However, this request was swiftly rejected during a plenary session for failing to adhere to the established rules regarding regional endorsements. Furthermore, there were troubling reports indicating that the Moroccan delegation resorted to questionable practices, including allegations of bribery, which sparked outrage among other participants at the event. This latest diplomatic failure not only underscores Morocco's growing isolation but also reflects its obsessive focus on countering Algeria, often at the expense of fair competition principles.
As reported by al24news.dz.
