Morocco's Lobbying Surge in the U.S.
In recent years, Morocco has significantly ramped up its lobbying activities in Washington, with expenditures projected to reach $3.49 million in 2025. This strategic move primarily aims to solidify American recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. According to various indicators, Rabat is maintaining a substantial political and financial advantage in Congress, while the Polisario Front's influence appears increasingly limited.
Comparative Spending and Strategies
Data from the independent center OpenSecrets, which tracks financial flows in U.S. politics, indicates that Morocco has outpaced Algeria in lobbying expenditures. Specifically, Morocco has increased its financial commitment from $1.7 million in 2023 to this year's anticipated $3.49 million, contrasting sharply with Algeria's reported $660,000 for 2025, up from $240,000 in 2024. Despite these increases, Morocco's current spending is still well below the peak of over $14 million reached in 2021, a year marked by efforts to reinforce U.S. acknowledgment of its claim over Western Sahara, a situation that was dramatically influenced by the political shifts following the Trump administration.
Since 2021, Morocco has reorganized its lobbying approach, parting ways with JPC Strategies, a firm associated with Senator Ted Cruz, and diversifying its representation by engaging multiple lobbying firms, including Yorktown Solutions and Akin Gump. Meanwhile, despite ongoing pressures, the Biden administration has not reversed the Trump-era decision recognizing Morocco's claims. In contrast, Algeria's lobbying efforts have emerged more recently, lacking the structured influence that Morocco has developed over the years. The Algerian government has also experienced setbacks, particularly after the retirement of Senator James Inhofe, a key supporter of the Polisario.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
