The Kingdom of Morocco is currently at the center of significant geopolitical shifts, with its diplomatic and military strategies transforming amid changing alliances and regional tensions. A notable recent development is Ghana's suspension of diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which has been recognized by Ghana since 1979. This decision was formally communicated through Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to its Moroccan counterpart. The Ghanaian government expressed its intention to support Morocco's efforts toward achieving a peaceful resolution to the Sahara issue.
Ghana's move is part of a broader trend where, since the year 2000, 46 countries, including 13 from Africa, have either severed or suspended relations with the SADR. Under the reign of King Mohammed VI, Morocco's assertion of its territorial integrity over Western Sahara has garnered increasing international support. Ghana's official communication emphasized, "We will immediately inform, through diplomatic channels, the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, the African Union, and the United Nations of this stance," underscoring its commitment to Morocco’s position.
Meanwhile, Morocco's military modernization efforts are also noteworthy, particularly its recent decisions affecting its defense partnerships. Notably, France is facing mounting challenges trying to penetrate Moroccan defense markets, especially with its offer of Rafale fighter jets. Despite the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries, Morocco has opted not to acquire these advanced aircraft for its military upgrades, as reported by the Moroccan newspaper The Parliamentarian.
Negotiations for the aircraft have reportedly stalled, with failed attempts by various French entities, including Dassault Aviation and the French government, to convince Morocco to commit to the acquisition. A senior French military official reflected on this unexpected setback, stating, "We thought we’d win because it’s Morocco—almost as if this country would naturally sign with France," but called the outcome "a disastrous failure." This failure appears to stem from enhanced competition from countries like the United States, which have been more successful at providing attractive deals and options.
Historically, Morocco's moves toward modernizing its military have included consideration of the Rafale jets way back in 2006, but negotiations quickly deteriorated. French officials had attempted various pricing strategies, initially proposing €2 billion for 18 jets but revising costs upwards as the talks progressed. The culmination of these setbacks has led to the U.S. overtaking France’s position with Morocco. Washington's recent offers included 24 F-16s at €1.6 billion—substantially cheaper compared to France's proposals.
The United States has also bolstered its diplomatic support for Morocco, particularly on sovereignty issues relating to the Sahara. By June 2007, the U.S. shifted its stance from neutrality to explicitly endorsing Morocco's autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, which has played well with Rabat’s goals. This new support was coupled with significant economic assistance, including a $697.5 million agreement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Such partnerships have unmistakably strengthened Morocco's ties with the United States, emphasizing the resulting shift away from traditional allies like France.
Further complicATING matters for French interests, Morocco has expressed intentions to acquire Lockheed Martin's advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets, which represent the next step up for the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Morocco’s request for 32 F-35s, with estimated costs surpassing $17 billion, highlights Rabat's ambition to upgrade its military capabilities significantly.
Not only has Morocco affirmed its leanings toward the U.S., but it has also begun receiving offers from the United Arab Emirates. Following the UAE's acquisition of new Rafale jets, Morocco is set to receive dozens of Mirage 2000-9 fighters. This transfer is aimed at bolstering Morocco’s aerial capabilities as it works to balance regional power dynamics with Algeria, which possesses advanced military assets such as MiG-29s and Su-30s.
Morocco's military developments align closely with its geopolitical maneuvers. The anticipated arrival of the Emirati Mirage aircraft is seen as pivotal for strengthening Morocco's aerial defenses, preparing it to counterbalance Algeria's military advancements, particularly as tensions simmer between the two nations. Morocco's modernized fleet, including its recent F-16 acquisitions, has already demonstrated operational success, including combat operations.
Morocco's strategy to diversify its defense relationships away from traditional allies is reflective of broader global trends, including increased militarization of North Africa and changes stemming from international relations reconfigurations. The Kingdom’s efforts to maintain regional power equilibrium will likely continue to influence its diplomatic actions and military strategies.