Tahaer Ben Jelloun Reveals Macron's "Clumsiness" in Handling the Crisis
Renowned Moroccan writer Tahaer Ben Jelloun has shed light on the ongoing political crisis between France and Morocco, attributing the escalating tension to President Emmanuel Macron's perceived "clumsiness." In an interview with a source, Ben Jelloun stated that Macron had disrespected King Mohammed VI, citing reliable sources. According to Ben Jelloun, Macron confronted the Moroccan monarch regarding alleged Moroccan spying using the Israeli spyware Pegasus. The King vehemently denied the accusations, leading to a strained exchange between the two leaders. Ben Jelloun's insights shed new light on the underlying causes of the diplomatic rift.
Unverified Pegasus Allegations and France's Coverage
The controversy surrounding the Pegasus spyware allegations adds further complexity to the France-Morocco political crisis. Several NGOs, including Amnesty International and Forbidden Stories, have accused Morocco of utilizing the Israeli spyware to surveil journalists, activists, and foreign dignitaries. Despite extensive coverage by leading French media outlets, no concrete evidence has been produced to substantiate these claims against Morocco. Moreover, experts, such as French lawyer Olivia Baratelli and judicial expert David Zenati, have expressed caution, emphasizing the lack of conclusive proof linking Morocco to the use of Pegasus. The absence of evidence raises questions about the validity of the accusations.
Macron's Hostility and the Algerian Factor
Ben Jelloun also delved into France's antagonistic stance towards Morocco, suggesting that it stems from a larger strategy to reconcile with Algeria. According to the Moroccan writer, Macron sent Stephane Sejourne, president of the Renew Europe group, to the European Parliament to propose a resolution in January, which heavily criticized Morocco for alleged harassment and intimidation of journalists, activists, and dissidents. Ben Jelloun interpreted this as a reflection of France's efforts to appease Algeria. He argued that the Algerian political establishment exploits the troubled legacy of French colonialism to foster animosity towards France, making it challenging for Macron to navigate diplomatic relations with both Algeria and Morocco.