Russia Maintains Positive Neutrality on Western Sahara Issue to Boost African Interests
Moscow is purposefully avoiding discussions on the Moroccan Sahara issue, while concurrently coordinating with various countries on multiple fronts
The Moroccan Sahara matter and its recent developments have notably been absent from Russia’s agenda during its current presidency at the UN Security Council, which runs until the end of this month. This indicates that Moscow is steadfast in maintaining a positive neutrality towards this issue, especially since it views Morocco as a key partner and significant player in Africa, seeking to bolster cooperation to safeguard its interests on the continent.
As outlined in the UN’s announced program, the primary topics for discussion have encompassed settlements in the Middle East, the evolving global security landscape, as well as regional cooperation with entities like the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and matters related to UN missions in the Republic of Congo, Haiti, West Africa, and the Sahel region.
Political analyst Mohammed Shaqir highlighted that the Moroccan Sahara issue was addressed during the April session and is expected to be revisited in October, with international and regional priorities being paramount given Russia’s status as one of the five major powers wielding veto power in the Security Council, according to reports from Morocco .
Shaqir underscored the coordination between Rabat and Moscow on various fronts in recent years, noting that Morocco opted not to participate in voting sessions against Russia and refrained from aligning with Western stances regarding Russian military actions in Ukraine, while Moscow maintained its neutral stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue despite its military ties with Algeria.
Shaqir reiterated that the Russian government’s commitment to sidestepping discussions on this issue serves as a political compass shaping its relations with other nations. He emphasized the economic partnership between Moscow and Morocco, recognizing Moscow’s strategic role in Africa through Morocco, as Russia seeks to enhance its influence in Sahelian countries following France’s withdrawal from the region.
Political and international studies researcher Bouselham Issat affirmed that Rabat and Moscow are keen on strengthening cooperation across diverse sectors such as customs, agriculture, military affairs, diplomacy, administration, commerce, culture, energy efficiency, renewable energies, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, particularly following the royal visit to Moscow in 2016.
Issat further highlighted Russia’s diplomatic strategy of avoiding the inclusion of the Moroccan Sahara issue on the Security Council’s agenda to prevent misinterpretations as a response to maneuvers by Algeria’s representative in the council, who opposes Morocco’s territorial integrity, which could potentially disrupt Moroccan-Russian relations.
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During his participation in the Arab-Russian Forum held in Morocco last December, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized “Moscow’s commitment to international law and the UN’s legitimacy in resolving regional and international disputes, including the Moroccan Sahara conflict,” reaffirming Russia’s support for UN efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution, reflecting a fundamental principle in Russian foreign policy.
