Morocco: Agile, Influential, Discreet but Above All Effective Diplomacy

By: Geopolitical Institute Horizons

In today’s geopolitical landscape, marked by increasing tensions and major security challenges, Moroccan diplomacy stands out for its unique ability to navigate between different spheres of influence while maintaining its position as a respected mediator. This remarkable performance, which contrasts significantly with the growing isolation of its Algerian neighbor, is particularly evident through several recent diplomatic successes that deserve a detailed analysis.
The city of Bouznika, which has become a symbol of Moroccan mediation, continues to host inter-Libyan discussions in a privileged setting that reflects the Kingdom’s distinctive approach. This approach, directly inspired by King Mohammed VI’s vision, is based on a fundamental principle: non-interference in the internal affairs of states. This principle, far from being merely a diplomatic stance, is embodied in a concrete methodology where Morocco positions itself as a neutral facilitator, creating favorable conditions for dialogue without ever seeking to impose its vision or solutions. This position, highly appreciated by Libyan parties, constitutes a major asset in a regional context where foreign interference has often exacerbated tensions rather than alleviating them.
The legacy of the Skhirat Agreement, signed in 2015, continues to shape the framework of Libyan negotiations. This agreement, despite difficulties in its implementation, remains an essential reference for the international community. It demonstrates Morocco’s ability to establish lasting negotiation frameworks that respect local specificities and are flexible enough to adapt to the conflict’s evolution. The recent discussions in Bouznika, which have led to significant progress on the issue of sovereign position distribution, align with this continuity.
Moroccan diplomacy is also distinguished by its ability to activate effective parallel channels, as demonstrated by yesterday’s release of four French DGSE officers held in Burkina Faso. This operation, carried out with remarkable discretion, highlights the expertise of Morocco’s General Directorate of Studies and Documentation (DGED). This external intelligence service has become a key player in the Sahel region, capitalizing on deep knowledge of local networks and a proven ability to navigate complex security contexts.
The role of Morocco’s DGED in hostage releases in the Sahel has progressively become a benchmark, showcasing the Kingdom’s unique expertise in this sensitive domain.
Among notable successes is the release in August 2023 of Romanian national Iulian Gherguț, kidnapped in April 2015 in northern Burkina Faso by a jihadist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Romanian authorities publicly praised the decisive role of Moroccan services in this operation.
The year 2022 witnessed the release of German humanitarian worker Jörg Lange, who had been held captive for over four years following his abduction in Niger in April 2018. Moroccan intelligence services played a crucial role in the complex negotiations that led to his release in December 2022, demonstrating their capacity to maintain effective communication channels even in the most delicate situations.
More recently, in May 2023, Morocco’s rapid intervention enabled the release of two Moroccan cyclists who went missing on the border between Burkina Faso and Niger. This operation highlighted the responsiveness of Moroccan intelligence networks and their ability to quickly mobilize necessary resources in emergencies.
One can also recall the 2010 release of Spanish aid workers Roque Pascual and Albert Vilalta, kidnapped in Mauritania in November 2009 by a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda. This early intervention already demonstrated Moroccan expertise in such sensitive operations, expertise that has continued to strengthen since then.

These various operations rely on several key strengths of Moroccan services:

• In-depth knowledge of tribal networks and local dynamics in the Sahel
• Privileged relationships with security services in regional countries
• The ability to maintain discreet communication channels with different actors
• A pragmatic approach prioritizing effectiveness over publicity
• Recognized expertise in crisis negotiation

The year 2024 marks a turning point in international recognition of Moroccan expertise, with unprecedented success in the Kingdom’s candidacies for positions within international organizations. Morocco’s election to the presidency of the Human Rights Council is a powerful symbol of this recognition. This prestigious position, obtained for the first time, reflects the credibility the Kingdom has acquired in the field of human rights, despite ongoing challenges in this domain.
The appointment to Interpol’s vice presidency for the Africa region also strengthens Morocco’s position as a key player in regional security. This strategic position will enable the Kingdom to deepen its security cooperation with African countries in a context marked by rising terrorist threats and transnational crime. The upcoming organization of the 93rd General Assembly of Interpol in Marrakech in 2025 further confirms this international recognition.
In the humanitarian field, Morocco’s chairmanship of the World Food Program’s Board provides an additional platform to promote its vision of solidarity and effective South-South cooperation. This position allows the Kingdom to contribute directly to the fight against food insecurity, a major issue for the African continent.
Morocco’s strengthened presence in regional bodies, notably within the Arab League and the African Union, reflects a coherent diplomatic strategy aimed at consolidating its influence on multiple levels. This multi-level strategy enables the Kingdom to effectively defend its interests while contributing to regional stability.
This diplomatic dynamism sharply contrasts with Algeria’s situation, which struggles to maintain its traditional regional influence. The growing isolation of Morocco’s eastern neighbor results from a diplomacy often characterized by rigidity, marked by ideological positions inherited from a bygone era, and difficulty adapting to new geopolitical realities. While Morocco favors a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, Algeria appears trapped in an antagonistic vision that limits its diplomatic action.
The key to Moroccan diplomacy’s success lies in its ability to combine different levers of influence. The Kingdom skillfully utilizes its economic, cultural, and security assets to build sustainable partnerships. This comprehensive approach, supported by a professional diplomatic network and efficient intelligence services, allows Morocco to position itself as a crucial actor in resolving regional crises.
King Mohammed VI’s personal commitment to the country’s major diplomatic directions is a significant asset. His vision of agile diplomacy, capable of adapting to the rapid changes in the international context while remaining faithful to the Kingdom’s fundamental principles, guides the work of Moroccan diplomats.
This continuity in strategic vision, combined with tactical flexibility, enables Morocco to maintain coherent positions over the long term while seizing emerging opportunities.
This multi-dimensional diplomacy now positions Morocco as a major regional player, capable of positively influencing geopolitical dynamics while safeguarding its national interests. The combination of effective official diplomacy and discreet parallel channels enables the Kingdom to play a stabilizing role in a region marked by numerous upheavals.
The diplomatic successes accumulated by Morocco, along with its constant commitment to peace and regional stability, naturally position the Kingdom favorably to claim a permanent seat on the UN Security Council in its next expansion. The credibility earned through its numerous successful mediations, significant contributions to peacekeeping operations, and demonstrated ability to manage complex crises make Morocco a serious candidate for assuming this major responsibility within the international security architecture.