Paris and Rabat in diplomatic stand-offHaving seen a sharp decline in its influence in Tunisia and Algeria, France is eyeing China and Spain’s growing economic presence in Morocco with concern. Is Paris about to lose its "backyard" in North Africa altogether? An analysis by political scientist Mohamed Taifouri for Qantara.deFor a number of months, relations between Rabat and Paris have been deteriorating into a bone-breaking fight. In March 2017, the Chinese won a project to build "Tangier Tech" on a 1,000 hectare site in the north of Morocco. The company expanded its operations last year to cover other cities, notably the capital Rabat, Sala and Greater Casablanca.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 10, 2020 13:52 UTC