Paris – France’s recent diplomatic shift in support of Morocco’s controversial “autonomy” plan for Western Sahara may be tied to sensitive information allegedly obtained by Morocco without French authorization. This revelation, reported by Afrik.com, highlights growing international criticism and hints at potential isolation for France in the region.
A recent article titled “Western Sahara: French-Moroccan Diplomacy under Emmanuel Macron Influenced by Pegasus?” explores the questions surrounding this “sudden diplomatic shift.” The piece suggests that French President Emmanuel Macron’s backing of Morocco’s sovereignty claims may stem from fallout related to the Pegasus spyware scandal. Journalist Hélène Bailey recaps how, in 2021, Le Monde and other media outlets disclosed evidence that Macron and high-ranking officials may have been surveilled by Moroccan intelligence via the Pegasus spyware, developed by an Israeli company.
Observers speculate that France’s surprising policy shift may relate to sensitive material obtained during this espionage episode. Bailey points out that the Pegasus scandal left Macron visibly shaken, especially upon discovering that his personal and official phone numbers—along with those of then-Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and 14 other ministers—were likely targeted by Moroccan intelligence.
The article also highlights setbacks Morocco faced in French courts over defamation claims associated with its alleged use of Pegasus. It draws parallels between Macron’s stance and a similar shift by Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who moved to support Morocco’s autonomy plan following allegations of Pegasus-based surveillance targeting Spanish figures, including his spouse.
Afrik.com cites local media claims that these recordings may have influenced Sánchez’s decision to back Morocco’s claim. Spanish political circles labeled this shift a “diplomatic disaster,” an interpretation that is resurfacing in analyses of Macron’s change in policy.
Economic factors also contribute to the evolving relationship between France and Morocco. Afrik.com notes that the economic ties between the two nations, valued in the billions of euros, have intensified post-Pegasus, aligning both countries over regional interests despite international law and historical French neutrality on Western Sahara. According to the outlet, Macron’s support for Moroccan “sovereignty” represents a “historic break” from France’s previous stance of neutrality, raising questions about France’s adherence to international law.
As French media close to Macron suggest, Paris has limited reason to “fully bet on Morocco,” given its governance issues, social inequalities, and oligarchic structures. However, France appears to prioritize Morocco in its African strategy, potentially sidelining longstanding commitments to international law and human rights principles.
Afrik.com concludes that this shift signals a new direction in French foreign policy, one where economic realism outweighs traditional diplomatic principles. With growing international criticism, France may find itself isolated on the Western Sahara issue, particularly concerning its commitment to the principle of national sovereignty—a value once central to its diplomatic identity.
For further insights, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
France Morocco Western Sahara diplomacy
