Tensions ran high with Algeria over Western Sahara. In virtual Non-Aligned Movement meeting, Algerian FM Ramtane Lamamra 14 July called on UN to accelerate appointment of UN envoy for Western Sahara; in response, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to UN Omar Hilale same day called for Algeria’s Amazigh-speaking Kabylia region “to fully enjoy their right to self-determination”, prompting Algiers 18 July to recall its ambassador to Morocco. Meanwhile, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez 10 July sacked FM Arancha Gonzalez Laya in apparent good-will gesture toward Morocco following sharp deterioration of bilateral relations since April hospitalisation in Spain of Western Sahara independence movement leader Brahim Ghali. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor 1 July urged Morocco to stop criminalising human rights activists, notably those working on issues related to Western Sahara, denounced “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and torture” of imprisoned activists (see Western Sahara).

Tensions remained high between Morocco and Spain over Western Sahara. European Parliament 10 June approved resolution condemning Rabat’s use of migrants, including unaccompanied minors, as tool of political pressure on Spain; Moroccan authorities in May had let thousands of migrants enter Spanish enclave of Ceuta in apparent protest at hospitalisation in Spain of Polisario Front independence movement leader Brahim Ghali. Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita 9 June accused Spain of “europeanising bilateral crisis”. Ahead of holiday season, Rabat early June launched annual transit plan for its diaspora; scheme excludes all sea links via Spain, inflicting considerable economic damage on several Spanish transportation companies.

Rabat continued to take increasingly confrontational stance vis-à-vis European partners over Western Sahara. Around 8,000 Moroccans and sub-Saharan Africans 17-18 May entered Spanish enclave of Ceuta. In following days, tensions ran high between Morocco and Spain, with both sides trading accusations. Hours after Spanish foreign ministry 18 May summoned Morocco’s ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich, Rabat recalled her for consultations. Morocco’s Human Rights Minister Mustapha Ramid same day linked relaxation of border controls to Polisario Front independence movement leader Brahim Ghali’s hospitalisation in Spain since April (see Western Sahara); Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles 20 May denounced “blackmail” and Morocco’s “aggression of Spanish borders”. Rabat 6 May recalled its ambassador to Germany in protest at Berlin’s alleged “destructive attitude” on Western Sahara; move comes after Morocco early March suspended relations with Berlin, citing “profound misunderstandings […] on fundamental issues”. Meanwhile, Morocco by month’s end had not responded to UN Sec-Gen Guterres’ proposal of Italian-Swedish diplomat Staffan de Mistura as next personal envoy to Western Sahara.

Authorities continued to build on normalisation deal with Israel, while tensions persisted in Western Sahara territory. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan 23 Jan said new U.S. administration under President Biden will build on Morocco-Israel normalisation agreement, in exchange for which U.S. last Dec recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Israeli govt 24 Jan approved normalisation agreement and 26 Jan reopened diplomatic mission in capital Rabat after govts 21 Jan signed agreement allowing direct flights between two countries; new agreement forms part of provisions of Joint Declaration signed by Morocco and Israel 22 Dec. Meanwhile, tensions persisted in Western Sahara region; Algeria 17-18 Jan held large-scale military exercise in Tindouf area near border with Morocco (see Western Sahara).

Govt resumed diplomatic relations with Israel and scored major diplomatic victory in dispute over Western Sahara. U.S. President Trump 10 Dec announced resumption of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel, including immediate reopening of liaison offices in Tel Aviv and Rabat – shut in 2000 – and eventual opening of embassies; as part of deal, U.S. recognised Moroccan sovereignty over disputed Western Sahara. Polisario Front independence movement same day condemned U.S. stance on Western Sahara as “blatant violation” of international law (see Western Sahara). Algerian govt 12 Dec rejected U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, said it undermined efforts to end the decades-long conflict (see Algeria). Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat and Trump’s senior adviser Jared Kushner 22 Dec met with King Mohammed VI in capital Rabat to expand U.S.-brokered deal; Morocco and Israel signed four agreements covering direct flights, visa waivers for diplomats, investment and financial facilitations, and water management.

Following Côte d’Ivoire in June and Comoros in Dec, Gambia, Guinea, Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe opened consulates to Morocco in Dakhla and Laayoune in Western Sahara in Jan, thereby recognising Morocco’s claims over disputed territory. Parliament 22 Jan passed two laws integrating waters off coast of Western Sahara into its maritime territory.

Police 14 Dec arrested suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militant in Meknes in north and said he was planning suicide attack. Parliament’s foreign affairs committee 16 Dec approved two bills extending Rabat’s maritime boundaries over Western Sahara’s territorial water.

Security forces 17 Nov arrested two individuals suspected of links to Islamic State (ISIS) in capital Rabat. Appeals court in Rabat 30 Oct confirmed death sentences for three main suspects in killing of two female Scandinavian tourists near Imlil village in Atlas Mountains in Dec 2018 and sentenced fourth one, originally sentenced to life imprisonment, to death.

PM Othmani 9 Oct presented new govt of 23 ministers (reduced from 39), after King Mohammed VI urged cabinet reshuffle in July. Mohammed VI 16 Oct pardoned journalist Hajar Raissouni, sentenced late Sept to one year in jail for alleged abortion and sex outside marriage; her fiancé and doctor were also pardoned. Security forces 25 Oct arrested seven suspected members of Islamic State (ISIS)-linked cell in Casablanca and northern towns of Chefchaouen and Ouazzane.

Hundreds protested outside court in capital Rabat at opening of trial of female journalist Hajar Raissouni, arrested in Rabat 31 Aug for alleged abortion and sex before marriage, protesters demanded her release. Court 30 Sept sentenced Raissouni to one year in jail for “illegal abortion” and sexual relations outside marriage; her fiancé was also sentenced to one year in prison and her gynaecologist for two years. Defence lawyers said they would appeal.