Rabat and Paris affirm renewed confidence amidst pegasus questions

A reinvigorated partnership 

France and Morocco marked a pivotal new chapter in their bilateral relationship during French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s recent visit to Rabat. Standing alongside his counterpart, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, Lecornu lauded the outcomes as “exceptionally positive” and described the current moment as a “turning point” for Franco-Moroccan ties. This renewed convergence follows the momentum initiated in 2024 when President Emmanuel Macron recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision that successfully de-escalated several years of diplomatic tensions between Paris and Rabat.

Security, African politics, and major projects 

Both governments are now committed to deepening their collaboration, particularly in critical areas such as security, counter-terrorism efforts, and the fight against drug trafficking. Paris is also keen to reinforce its partnership with Rabat on broader African issues, especially in confronting the persistent jihadist threat across the Sahel region. The high-level meeting concluded with the signing of a dozen agreements. These accords encompass various initiatives, including electrical grid interconnection between the two nations, funding from the French Development Agency for vital water management projects, and plans for a future Regional Express Network (RER) line within the Rabat metropolitan area. Furthermore, Sébastien Lecornu announced that preparations are underway for an “extraordinary” bilateral treaty, which could potentially be signed during a forthcoming state visit by King Mohammed VI to France.

Pegasus casts a long shadow 

Despite the positive momentum, this visit unfolded against the backdrop of fresh revelations from an international media consortium regarding the alleged use of Pegasus spyware by Morocco and France’s reported interest in the surveillance tool. French officials refrained from making any direct public comments on these new disclosures. Within the French delegation, the subject was downplayed, with President Emmanuel Macron’s inner circle emphasizing that the primary objective remained to “strengthen the framework of cooperation and trust” with Rabat. Morocco, for its part, consistently denies these accusations, dismissing them as “false and unfounded allegations.”