The journey from Tiznit in southern Morocco to Dakhla, formerly known as Villa Cisneros, in the heart of Western Sahara is not just a geographical expedition; it encompasses a more profound narrative surrounding international relations and diplomacy. This route stretches over 1,000 kilometers through the desert alongside the Atlantic Ocean, and this summer it was officially renamed the Donald J. Trump highway by King Mohammed VI, a designation that has raised eyebrows and sparked discussion. This seemingly minor detail serves to underscore a significant shift in the dynamics between Morocco and the United States, revealing a moment of newfound confidence that has considerable implications for Spain.
Since gaining the recognition of the United States, Morocco has adopted a more assertive stance in its foreign policy, particularly concerning its claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara. Bernabé López, an honorary professor of Arab and Islamic Studies at the Autonomous University of Madrid, highlights that Morocco feels emboldened, as it now has the support of a powerful ally in Washington. This newfound confidence was glaringly illustrated nearly two months ago when over 80,000 individuals crossed into Ceuta, an event that unfolded amid the inaction of Moroccan security forces and the helplessness of their Spanish counterparts. Such occurrences reflect a broader strategy employed by Rabat, utilizing migration as a leverage point in negotiations with Spain.
The historical roots of the relationship between Washington and Rabat run deep; Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States in 1777. However, the strategic significance of Morocco has evolved over time, especially after the events of September 11, 2001, which positioned the country as a critical partner in the fight against terrorism, given its geographic location as a gateway to the Sahel region. The relationship reached a pivotal moment in 2020 when Morocco signed the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This agreement has significantly strengthened Morocco's diplomatic position, enabling it to assert its claims with more vigor.
Experts such as Ignacio Gutiérrez de Terán, a professor of Arab and Islamic Studies at the Autonomous University of Madrid, note that Morocco is now using migration and the issues surrounding Ceuta and Melilla as bargaining chips to pressure Spain regarding its claims in Western Sahara. The dynamics of this relationship have shifted dramatically; Rabat feels justified in its demands, believing that the current U.S. administration is inclined to grant its requests, particularly under Trump’s realpolitik approach. This confidence has led Morocco's leadership, including the monarchy, to act with a sense of strength and entitlement, bolstered by military agreements with Israel that include acquisitions of drones and surveillance technology for the region.
Interestingly, this strategy is not entirely new; it reflects a pattern of behavior that has been increasingly apparent since 2020. A notable incident occurred in 2021 when Morocco relaxed its border controls at Ceuta following the hospitalization of Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front, who had received support from the Spanish government. This led to a significant influx of migrants, as thousands crossed the border in a single day. Analysts like Sonia Moreno, a journalist and author, suggest that such actions are driven by domestic pressures within Morocco, where high youth unemployment and social discontent create a volatile environment.
Moreover, recent legislative developments in Spain that grant nationality to Sahrawis born during the period of Spanish administration over Western Sahara have further strained relations. This move has been perceived by Rabat as an infringement on its sovereignty, prompting a strong reaction. Despite the backing of the U.S. and Israel, Morocco remains a relatively small power, and the potential repercussions of its aggressive tactics towards Spain could be significant. Intissar Fakir warns that if Morocco orchestrated the recent migration crisis as a means of exerting pressure, it could backfire severely, jeopardizing a partnership that involves substantial economic dealings worth billions each year. The implications of failing to manage its border effectively could raise serious questions about the support Morocco receives from the European Union.
As reported by elcorreo.com.
