Morocco’s 2017 return to the African Union (AU) has created a rift between its supporters, mostly from Francophone West Africa, and those who oppose Morocco because of its claim over the Western Sahara. If Morocco wants to have a say in decisions on Africa’s future, it should participate in AU structures in a constructive way and consolidate the gains made by its successful bilateral economic and cultural diplomacy on the continent. This report explores the impact of Morocco’s readmission to the AU. It sketches the context within which this took place, notably Morocco’s economic and political links with the rest of Africa, its relations with Algeria and the impact of the dispute over the Western Sahara.
