Western Sahara – UN-sponsored talks look likely to be delayed by the resignation of the Special Envoy. Despite some success for Polisario in opposing exports of phosphates, time is on Morocco’s side.
Morocco – leaders of the 2018 protests in the Rif jailed. Teachers’ protest peters out. Morocco is not Algeria.
Western Sara – UN succeeds in bringing all the stakeholders in this ancient problem together. Algeria and Morocco bad neighbours. Talks to resume in 2019.
Italy’s clampdown on migration through Libya followed by increased migration through Morocco. Trump has the answer.
The boundaries of Arab states, mainly drawn by colonial powers, have shown remarkable durability. In some instances, these boundaries have been challenged but such challenges have generally failed to change the map of the region.
A change of PMs may allow formation of a coalition government led by the Islamist PJD, but not yet in the bag. Why did the King not show up at the Arab League summit?
Morocco’s re-admission to the African Union (AU) 33 years since it withdrew in protest at the recognition of the SADR is the culmination of a major effort to build relationships across the continent. And it’s mainly about outflanking Algeria on the Western Sahara.
Moroccan coalition negotiations stall. AU to decide this month on Moroccan application to join. Burqa sales banned.
Elections in Morocco on 7 October. Modest reforms since the 2011 Arab Spring have held firm. Present Islamist-led government likely to continue.
Moroccan elections next month – the Islamist-led coalition faces a serious challenge. King Muhammed denounces those who kill in the name of jihad, “lying to Allah and His Messenger”.
