Morocco’s African Policy: From Defence to Initiative

Abstract

This article examines the transformation of Morocco’s African policy by distinguishing between the continuity of its main objectives and determinants and changes in its instruments, actors, and arenas of action. It addresses whether the shift from an emphasis on diplomatic defence to a broader capacity for initiative reflects a change in the objectives of Morocco’s African policy or, rather, in the instruments and methods used to implement it. The article adopts a longitudinal comparison of this policy, supported by documentary analysis and selected case studies, focusing on the period 1999–2026 while drawing on the preceding period as a basis for comparison. The findings show that this transformation did not constitute a break with the main objectives of Morocco’s African policy, foremost among them territorial integrity, the protection of strategic interests, and Morocco’s African belonging. Instead, it took the form of gradual change in the policy programme, reflected in building shared interests, diversifying instruments and actors, expanding Morocco’s geographical presence, and shifting from operating outside the African Union to pursuing initiatives from within it. The article also concludes that an increased capacity for initiative does not necessarily produce direct or uniform political outcomes across all cases.