Rachida Dati‘s Historic Visit to Western Sahara: A Symbol of French Support for Moroccan Occupation[1]Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, made a historic visit to Western Sahara, a region also referred to by Moroccan authorities as the “South provinces.” This marks the first time a French minister has undertaken an official trip to this contested territory, symbolizing France’s support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.

Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Moroccan counterpart to Rachida Dati, welcomed the visit, stating, “It is the first time that a manager of the French government has visited the provinces of the southern kingdom. It is a confirmation of France’s support — which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council — to the Moroccanity of the Sahara.”[3]Dati’s visit underscores a longstanding position of support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. Before her appointment to Macron’s government, Dati, then a member of the Republicans, had expressed her unequivocal stance on the issue. In an interview with a Moroccan newspaper, she stated, “We recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.” This position aligns with Macron’s stance, which has been consistent since then.

When Culture Serves French Imperialism

Dati’s visit is part of a broader strategy to strengthen French imperialism and legitimize the occupation of Western Sahara through cultural partnerships. During her trip, Dati announced the inauguration of a branch of the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Moroccan Cinema in Dakhla, with support from the CNC, and the creation of a French Alliance in Laâyoune to “promote language and culture française.”

This diplomatic visit, framed under the banner of culture, highlights the role of cultural institutions in French imperialism. Whether it’s building an extension of the Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi or preventing Sahelian artists from performing in France in response to a coup d’état in Niger, the French state leverages its cultural institutions to strengthen ties with other powers and delegitimize those who challenge its imperialist plans. In the Maghreb and particularly in Morocco, the establishment of a cultural network of French institutes, such as the French Alliance freshly inaugurated in Laâyoune, continues France’s influence over its former colonies, often cloaked under the guise of cultural neutrality.

A Gift to the Moroccan Regime in Exchange for Lucrative Contracts

Dati’s visit is a continuation of France’s support for the Moroccan regime. In July 2024, Emmanuel Macron announced France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a significant shift that aligns France with the United States and Spain, the only other Western countries supporting Morocco’s claim. This support comes despite the fact that Morocco has occupied nearly 80% of the Sahrawi territory since 1975, with the complicity of imperialist powers and the UN. France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara was rewarded with the signing of forty economic and diplomatic agreements during Macron’s visit to Morocco in October 2024, totaling 10 billion euros in contracts for French capitalists.

This repositioning is driven by France’s desire to maintain a privileged partnership with Morocco, a key ally in controlling and repressing migratory flows, and an important economic partner in energy, industrial, and military sectors. The recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara was a strategic move to secure these lucrative contracts and maintain France’s influence in the region.

In contrast to the reactionary use of cultural institutions, it is crucial to advocate for the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people against the oppressive Moroccan kingdom and its imperialist allies. The Sahrawi people have been fighting for their independence from Morocco for nearly half a century, following almost a century of Spanish domination.

This visit by Dati underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, where cultural diplomacy and economic interests intersect to shape international relations. As the United States continues to navigate its own foreign policy, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such alliances and the impact on global human rights and self-determination movements.

For instance, the U.S. has its own historical examples of using cultural diplomacy to further its interests. The Fulbright Program, which has sent thousands of American students and scholars abroad, is a prime example of how cultural exchange can serve as a tool of soft power. However, the U.S. must also be mindful of the potential for such programs to be exploited for imperialist gains, as seen in France’s actions in Western Sahara.

As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of sovereignty and self-determination, the case of Western Sahara serves as a stark reminder of the enduring influence of imperialist powers and the ongoing struggle for independence by marginalized communities.