Why Morocco abstained from voting on the UN resolution on Ukraine

Standing ovation after an overwhelming vote at the UN General Assembly demanding an end to the war in Ukraine, in New York on March 2, 2022 © TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

On March 2, at the UN, a majority of 141 countries out of 193 voted for a resolution demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

Seven African countries abstained, including Morocco.

Rabat's position is a concern in Europe, of which it is the largest partner in the Maghreb, as well as in the United States, which had recognized the sovereignty of the Cherifian Kingdom over Western Sahara.

Seeming to fear repercussions, Morocco has since multiplied statements to explain its gesture.

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Morocco remains faithful to the principle of respect for "

 ", and to the principle of " 

 ", indicates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a brief press release.

He denounces the use of force to resolve conflicts and mentions his participation in humanitarian aid for the Ukrainian people.

In the media, several Moroccan editorial writers and experts develop the idea that a " 

 " and that with regard to the classic alliance between Russia and Algeria, Rabat was not going to make this "

" by offending Moscow, the Kingdom's essential supplier of raw materials.

Another argument given: Morocco would be tired of its European partners who do not support Rabat enough on the question of the Sahara against the separatists of the Polisario. 

Yet Russia, endowed with the right of veto in the UN General Assembly, has abstained for years from voting on resolutions on Western Sahara.

This is appreciated by Rabat who is trying, according to observers, to return the favor to him.

Especially since a new vote must take place at the UN next April. 

Added to this are the tensions of the past two years with Spain and Germany.

And the cold snap with France since the Pegasus affair.

Diplomatic tightrope walking

Morocco has been seeking for years to vary its strategic and economic partners.

Agreements now bind it to India, China and Russia, which King Mohammed VI has visited.  

Morocco is therefore trying to build a balance between its principles and its interests, and to spare the goat and the cabbage.

But faced with the war in Ukraine which seems to be settling in over time, faced with growing pressure from the United States and the EU, it seems difficult for Rabat to maintain a balance.

It is in this context that Wendy Sherman, the US Under-Secretary of State, is embarking on a tour of several countries, including Morocco and Algeria, to discuss Ukraine.

His tour also includes Turkey and Egypt.

It hopes to obtain the rallying of these countries to the Western position.

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• Morocco

• Mohammad VI

• Ukraine

• Russia

• Algeria