Morocco has maintained good relations with four BRICS countries but will not attend the upcoming summit. South Africa claimed that 23 countries have applied to join BRICS, but Morocco denies making a formal request. The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that South Africa has shown hostility towards Morocco and has taken negative positions on the Moroccan Sahara issue. Morocco has strong bilateral relations with four BRICS members and has strategic partnership agreements with three of them. However, Morocco has never applied to join the BRICS group and there are no clear procedures for expansion.
Morocco will not attend the BRICS summit in South Africa and has declined the invitation to the BRICS-Africa meeting. The meeting was organized unilaterally by the South African government. Tension exists between Morocco and South Africa due to South Africa’s support of the Polisario Front, which aims to establish an independent state in Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco. President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited leaders from various countries and international organizations to the summit, but Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending in person. Over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS.
Hot Take:
Morocco’s decision not to attend the BRICS summit reflects the tension between the country and South Africa over the Western Sahara issue. Despite maintaining good relations with four BRICS countries, Morocco has chosen not to formally join the economic bloc. This highlights the complexities and challenges of expanding the BRICS group and the need for clear procedures in the future.
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