Morocco Touted as Most Stable Maghreb Nation Amid Geopolitical Shifts Over Western Sahara

A new report by the Migration Research Institute has described Morocco as the most stable country in the Maghreb, citing its sustained political reforms, strategic diplomacy, and growing international partnerships. The report’s findings come amid growing speculation that China and Russia may soon officially recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara—a move that would mark a significant shift in global positioning on the decades-long territorial dispute.

The report praised Morocco’s economic and political resilience in a region often marred by instability, highlighting its role as a “pillar of regional security and an emerging gateway for investment and migration in North and West Africa.”

Strategic Endorsement from Global Powers

Diplomatic analysts believe the growing alignment between Rabat, Moscow, and Beijing is a result of Morocco’s expanding economic ties and multilateral strategy. While no formal declarations have yet been made, insiders suggest that both Russia and China are weighing recognition of Moroccan territorial claims in a bid to increase influence in the Mediterranean and Sahel regions.

“This would not only realign power dynamics in North Africa but also further isolate the Polisario Front diplomatically,” said Dr. Amine Belkacem, a geopolitical researcher at the Moroccan Center for Strategic Studies.

French Investment Reinforces Territorial Support

Adding weight to Morocco’s position, the French Development Agency (AFD) has announced a €150 million investment package for infrastructure and social development in Morocco’s southern provinces, including Laâyoune and Dakhla. The move is being seen as a strong signal of France’s continued support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory.

AFD officials stated that the funding will go toward renewable energy projects, education, and economic inclusion, with a focus on integrating the southern regions into Morocco’s broader development strategy.

UN Protest Highlights Continued Tensions

While Morocco’s diplomatic momentum grows, criticism remains active on the international stage. During a recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, a group of pro-Sahrawi activists staged a protest condemning what they described as “the continued Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara.”

The demonstrators called on the international community to uphold the right of Sahrawis to self-determination, reiterating demands for a UN-backed referendum—a process that has been stalled for decades.

“No amount of foreign investment can replace the right to choose our future,” one activist said during the demonstration.

A Shifting Diplomatic Landscape

The developments reflect a widening divide between global powers increasingly supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan, and international civil society groups pushing for a referendum in line with historical UN resolutions.

Observers note that if China and Russia proceed with formal recognition, it could significantly bolster Morocco’s claim, particularly as the United States and several European countries have already voiced varying degrees of support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal under UN auspices.

For now, Morocco appears to be consolidating its diplomatic and economic influence, positioning itself as a strategic player in both African and global affairs, even as the dispute over Western Sahara remains one of the region’s most sensitive and unresolved conflicts.