According to recent reports, Tunisian authorities are actively working to restore diplomatic ties with Morocco and reinstate ambassadors in both capitals, signaling an effort to resolve a years-long rift.
A senior official from Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to overcome the impasse.
The relationship has been strained since 2022, when Tunisian President Kais Saied hosted Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Tunis. The move, perceived by Morocco as a direct affront to its sovereignty, prompted Rabat to withdraw its ambassador and issue a strong condemnation.
“Tunisian diplomacy is focused on overcoming disagreements with Morocco and establishing balanced and equitable relations with all Maghreb capitals,” the senior official stated, requesting anonymity.
While Tunisia has shown a willingness to move forward, the official acknowledged that challenges remain in fully normalizing ties but declined to elaborate.
The crisis began when President Saied’s decision to receive Ghali, a controversial figure due to his role in the Western Sahara conflict, was viewed by Morocco as an alignment with Algeria’s pro-Polisario stance.
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry Nasser Bourita described the act as “grave and unprecedented,” accusing Tunisia of undermining its territorial integrity. In response, Tunisia defended its actions, citing adherence to African Union protocols, which grant member states the right to engage with all stakeholders in Africa, including the Polisario Front.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI later emphasized the importance of the Western Sahara issue in Morocco’s foreign policy, stating in a 2022 speech, “The Sahara issue is the lens through which Morocco views the world and the standard by which we assess the sincerity of friendships and partnerships,” says H.E King Mohammed VI.
Tunisian critics, including politicians and human rights activists, have accused President Saied of abandoning the country’s historically neutral stance on the Western Sahara dispute.
Some argue that aligning with Algeria’s support for the Polisario Front undermines Tunisia’s relations with Morocco and destabilizes regional unity. Critics have urged President Saied to prioritize Tunisia’s long-term economic and political interests, which would benefit from stronger ties with Rabat.
Regionally, Tunisia’s involvement in Algeria’s newly proposed Maghreb Union, established without Morocco, has further fuelled scepticism about its intentions.
This initiative excludes Morocco and Mauritania, both founding members of the original Maghreb Union.
In 2023, Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar denied claims of a complete diplomatic rupture with Morocco, suggesting that talks were ongoing for the return of diplomatic envoys. Despite these reassurances, there have been no concrete developments regarding ambassadorial reinstatement, leaving many to question Tunisia’s commitment to repairing the relationship.
Scepticism has also grown due to alleged President Saied’s repeated statements supporting the “peoples’ right to self-determination,” which many interpret as veiled support for the Polisario Front.
This stance, combined with Tunisia’s participation in Algeria’s regional initiatives, has led to doubts about its genuine willingness to mend ties with Morocco.
While Tunisia has expressed interest in repairing relations, tangible steps remain elusive.
It appears that the future of diplomatic ties depends on whether both nations can reconcile their positions on contentious issues like the Western Sahara.