French-Moroccan diplomatic ties in turmoil

The mission of Morocco’s ambassador to France has ended without a successor being appointed, in a climate of diplomatic crisis between Rabat and Paris.

“In accordance with high royal instructions, it has been decided to terminate the functions of Mr Mohamed Benchaâboun as Ambassador of His Majesty to the French Republic, as of January 19, 2023,” said a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs published in the Official Bulletin of 2^nd February and relayed Friday by the media.

The date of the end of the mission of the Moroccan diplomatic representative in France “intervenes the day when the European Parliament voted a resolution calling on the Moroccan authorities to respect the freedom of the press”, writes the Hespress media.

“It can’t be a simple coincidence”, notes the Medias 24 news site, which describes “an announcement as sober and cold as Morocco’s anger can be”.

On 19^th January, the European Parliament adopted by a large majority a non-binding resolution urging the Moroccan authorities to “respect freedom of expression and freedom of the media” and to put an end to the “harassment of all journalists”.

Moroccan politicians and some media have accused France of having “orchestrated” an anti-Moroccan campaign in Brussels.

africanews