France’s Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, has clarified the country’s stance regarding aid to Morocco following the deadliest earthquake the nation has experienced in over six decades. She emphasized that it is entirely up to Morocco whether they choose to seek assistance from France, assuring that France stands ready to help if requested.
The relationship between Paris and Rabat has been strained in recent years, with key disputes revolving around the Western Sahara issue. Morocco has been seeking France’s recognition of the Western Sahara as Moroccan territory, but this has not materialized. Moreover, Morocco has not had a diplomatic envoy in Paris since January, adding complexity to the relationship.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Morocco’s lack of an official request for urgent assistance from France, Catherine Colonna stated that it is a misplaced issue. She reiterated France’s readiness to assist Morocco but emphasized that the decision to seek aid is a sovereign one for Morocco to make.
France has already allocated 5 million euros (approximately $5.4 million) for non-governmental organizations operating in Morocco, showing its commitment to providing support.
While French officials have attempted to downplay any tensions between the two countries, it is noteworthy that President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Morocco has been postponed multiple times over the past year.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin characterized Morocco as a “brotherly” nation, suggesting that Morocco has the capabilities to manage the rescue efforts without external assistance.
France has navigated a delicate diplomatic balancing act with Rabat while also working to improve relations with Algeria, Morocco’s historical rival. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, a group that has been advocating for Western Sahara’s independence for decades, further complicating the regional dynamics.
Tragically, the earthquake in Morocco claimed the lives of four French citizens and resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives.
France maintains a significant presence in Morocco, with over 51,000 French citizens residing there, according to foreign ministry data. Additionally, there is a substantial Moroccan diaspora in France, estimated at around 1.5 million people, including 670,000 dual nationals, according to the Observatory for Immigration and Demographics.