French PM Lecornu Seeks Deeper Ties, Energy Cooperation on Morocco Visit Amid Spyware Allegations

The visit by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Morocco has yielded a series of agreements and statements about strengthening ties between the two nations. However, these efforts are complicated by allegations that Morocco used Pegasus spyware against French officials.

Lecornu praised the “exceptionally positive” state of Franco-Moroccan relations during his visit, but this assertion is undermined by reports published by Forbidden Stories. These investigations reveal that Morocco relies on Israeli-made spyware to surveil domestic opponents and foreign officials, including those from France.

The timing of these revelations is significant because Lecornu’s visit aimed to deepen cooperation in areas like security and counterterrorism. However, the Pegasus scandal threatens to undermine any progress made on these fronts. Email traces suggesting Morocco spied on French officials were found on Lecornu’s phone, raising serious questions about the integrity of this partnership.

The history between France and Morocco is complex, with President Emmanuel Macron’s decision in 2021 to back Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara marking a significant turning point in relations. However, this rapprochement has not been without its challenges. Visa disputes and allegations of espionage have strained ties in recent years.

Morocco’s reliance on spyware suggests a lack of trust between the two nations. The reports that Paris considered acquiring the software only add fuel to the fire, raising questions about France’s involvement in this shadowy world. Lecornu’s assertion that France seeks to strengthen energy ties with Morocco is laudable but also raises concerns.

A new project aims to export renewable electricity from Morocco to France via a new line. However, this ambitious plan ignores the elephant in the room: the Pegasus scandal. The French government’s silence on these allegations is telling, with Lecornu and his team refusing to comment on the reports instead focusing on the positive aspects of their visit.

This lack of transparency only serves to exacerbate the problem. As tensions between France and Morocco continue to simmer beneath the surface, one cannot help but wonder what the long-term implications of these developments will be. Will this partnership ultimately prove to be a façade for mutual surveillance and influence peddling? Or can Lecornu’s vision of strengthened ties overcome the baggage of Pegasus and related controversies?

Without a thorough investigation into these allegations, the future of Franco-Moroccan relations hangs precariously in the balance.