Macron's risky gamble on Morocco to retain French influence in North Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron is shifting his foreign policy to favor Morocco in an attempt to maintain French influence in the Maghreb and Sahel regions. This represents a significant change, as Macron previously seemed closer to Morocco's rival, Algeria, and relations with Rabat were strained by the Pegasus spyware scandal. The new strategy involves backing Morocco's sovereignty claim over Western Sahara, a move that has already caused a diplomatic crisis with Algeria. This gamble is considered risky because Morocco may not have the necessary stature or geographical position to effectively serve as France's key partner to halt its declining influence in Africa.