The meaning of Morocco’s return to the African Union

Morocco should participate constructively at the AU and consolidate its successful bilateral economic and cultural diplomacy in Africa.

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.

About the author

Liesl Louw-Vaudran joined the ISS in 2008 as an associate editor. She is currently a senior research consultant with the Peace and Security Research Programme and editor of the PSC Report. Liesl has over 20 years’ experience working in various African countries. She has an honours degree (cum laude) from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Picture: UN Climate Change