During the Cold War period, a multidimensional competition process was experienced between the United States (US) and the Soviet Union within the framework of the bipolar world system. In this period, Africa became one of the significant areas of competition between the two states and the bloc. In particular, the Soviet Union gained a significant influence in the continent thanks to both its ideological discourses and the support it gave to African countries. On the other hand, it is known that the US also implements various activities and establishes important relations in the continent.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, African countries continued to strengthen their relations with the US. However, China, which has been on the rise in Asia, has emerged as a new alternative for Africa. In the 2000s, a new phase was entered in Russia with the coming to power of Vladimir Putin. Because Russia, led by Putin, is trying to recover, and become stronger; in geographies such as Africa, it followed a policy of using the legacy of the Soviet Union.
In such an environment, Russia has augmented its influence and activities in the region both by establishing bilateral relations and multidimensionally using the African Summits. Russia continued its interests in Africa, which were compatible with China on a regional basis. As a result, Russia and China have shaken the influence of Western actors in Africa. An example of this is the present position of the Central African Republic, which had close relations with France for a while, and Mali. Because these two states are very close to Russia.
On the other hand, Algeria, one of the African countries, has robust relations with Russia. Algeria is one of Moscow’s most important customers in terms of the defence industry. In fact, from the perspective of Africa and the Arab World, Algeria stands out as Russia’s first customer. The relations between Algeria and Russia are not limited to the arms trade. In addition, the parties also conduct military exercises in areas close to the Moroccan border.[1] Moreover, Algeria has also proclaimed that it wants to join the BRICS. While this situation brings a multidimensional feature to Algerian-Russian relations; the request of the Algerian government was met positively by Moscow.[2] The developments in question reveal the orientation of the foreign policy of the country in question.
On the other hand, there are still governments in Africa that have strong relations with the West. An example of this is Morocco. Rabat is an actor with important relations with Washington. The previous US President Donald Trump has announced that if Morocco establishes relations with Israel under the Abraham Agreements, it will recognize its sovereignty in Western Sahara. After Rabat established relations with Tel Aviv, the US recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.[3]
There are various regional problems and competition between Morocco and Algeria. First, there are some discords between the parties remaining from French colonialism. The most important example of this is the sovereignty of the Western Sahara. The Algerian government underpins the Polisario Front against Morocco in this process. In return, Morocco supports the people of Kabul who want to leave Algeria.[4]
As it can be understood, the rivalry between Algeria and Morocco also affects the foreign policies of these countries. While Morocco strengthens its relations with the US; Algeria, on the other hand, deepens its ties with Russia. This situation also paves the way for a regional problem or competition to gain a global character. Because the latest development in this regard is the claim that Morocco will support the Ukrainian Army.
As it can be understood, the rivalry between Algeria and Morocco also affects the foreign policies of these countries. While Morocco strengthens its relations with the US; Algeria, the other hand, deepens its ties with Russia. This situation also gives rise to a regional problem or competition to gain a global character. Because the latest development in this regard is the claim that Morocco will support the Ukrainian Army.
Along with all this, Russia has a significant influence in Africa. After the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, it is seen that nearly half of the African countries adopted a neutral stance and kept their distance, due to Moscow’s influence in the continent and the continental states’ unwillingness to suffer economic losses. However, it can be said that Morocco, which did not participate in the votes against Moscow at the United Nations (UN), commenced exhibiting a different attitude in response to the developing relations on the Algeria-Russia line, the increasing arms trade, and the organized military exercises.
As it is known, no African state has sent support to the Ukrainian Army since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War. However, it is claimed that Rabat decided to send support to Kyiv after the US stepped in and convinced the Moroccan administration. If the claim is true, the decision was taken and the step to be taken gained importance as the first aid to be sent from an African country to the Ukrainian Army. This is already drawing attention because Morocco will send aid to Ukraine in the process of boosting the Algeria-Russia rapprochement.[5]
Considering the allegations in question, Morocco will send spare parts of T-72 tanks to the Ukrainian Army. It was decided that the aid would be sent in “great secrecy” thanks to the persuasion of the US. However, it is seen that Rabat, which was distant from the Russia-Ukraine War, chose his side and acted in harmony with Washington.[6]
In a nutshell, the regional rivalry between Algeria and Morocco also has a global dimension. For this reason, states, not only each other; it also targets actors that support states they see as rivals. In this context, Morocco is not just Algeria; it also tries to wear down Russia, which supports Algeria by helping Ukraine’s struggle. If the allegations are true, it is possible to say that the problem on the Algeria-Morocco line will grow and the competition will deepen. Rabat’s change of attitude towards the Russia-Ukraine War will lead to an increase in tension in the Rabat-Moscow line and a deepening of the Algeria-Moscow relationship. At this point, the effect of the attitude to be adopted by the global powers is also prominent. In short, the rise in tension in Morocco-Algeria relations and the involvement of the US and Russia in the process can be interpreted as a gain for Ukraine.
[1] Alba Sanz, “Russia and Algeria to Conduct Military Exercises on the Border with Morocco”, Atalayar, https://atalayar.com/en/content/russia-and-algeria-conduct-military-exercises-border-morocco, (Date of Accession: 14.12.2022).
[2] Abdessalam Sakia, “Algeria-Russia: Historic, Strategic Relations Between Two Powers”, https://www.echoroukonline.com/algeria-russia-historic-strategic-relations-between-two-powers, (Date of Accession: 14.12.2022).
[3] Tanmay Kadam, “1st African Country To Provide Military Support To Ukraine, Morocco Could Send T-72 Tank Spare Parts To Kyiv”, The Eurasian Times, https://eurasiantimes.com/1st-african-country-to-provide-military-support-to-ukraine-morocco/, (Date of Accession: 14.12.2022).
[4] Yaşar Demir, “Fas-Cezayir Gerginliğinin Perde Arkası”, Anadolu Ajansı, https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/analiz/fas-cezayir-gerginliginin-perde-arkasi/2391716, (Date of Accession: 14.12.2022).
[5] Kadam, op. cit.
[6] Frédéric Ange Touré, “L’armement de l’Ukraine par les Américains passe par le Maroc”, Le journal de l’Afrique, https://lejournaldelafrique.com/larmement-de-lukraine-par-les-americains-passe-par-le-maroc/, (Date of Accession: 14.12.2022).
