Behind the Scenes of Morocco’s Diplomatic Failure at the African Summit: Bribery Scandals and Strategic Missteps

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Morocco’s Disastrous Diplomacy Exposed: How Bribery, Manipulation, and Ineffective Leadership Led to Yet Another Setback at the African Union Summit

Algiers, Algeria | February 18th, 2025 — The African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa recently witnessed a dramatic diplomatic defeat for Morocco, following its unsuccessful bid to secure the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. This failure not only marks a significant blow to Moroccan diplomacy but also exposes the unethical tactics employed by its delegation, including bribery and financial manipulation. Despite Morocco’s extensive efforts and underhanded maneuvers, Algeria emerged victorious in securing the crucial position, reinforcing its diplomatic strength in Africa.

The contest for the Deputy Chairperson position was fiercely contested between Algeria’s ambassador to the AU, Selma Malika Haddadi, Egypt’s Hanan Morsi, and Morocco’s Latifa Akherbash. After seven rounds of voting, Algeria’s candidate emerged victorious, a result that defied Morocco’s extensive lobbying efforts, led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The intensity of Morocco’s behind-the-scenes efforts highlighted not only their desperation but also their lack of ethical boundaries in diplomatic pursuits.

While Algeria’s success was not entirely unexpected due to its longstanding support for Africa’s development and political stability, Morocco’s attempts to undermine the candidacy of Haddadi were both unprofessional and widely condemned. Sources inside the AU revealed that Morocco resorted to deeply unethical tactics, including offering bribes in the form of financial incentives, gold bars, and luxurious accommodations in Marrakech. These actions were deemed by many African diplomats as “disgusting” and resulted in a significant backlash from the majority of African delegates.

The Moroccan delegation’s use of financial influence, including bribes and promises of lavish incentives, sparked outrage within the African diplomatic community. These revelations sent shockwaves through Addis Ababa, where diplomats condemned Morocco’s underhanded tactics. One source, a seasoned African diplomat, stated, “In over two decades of diplomatic experience, I have never witnessed a scandal as egregious as this. The Moroccan delegation’s attempts to manipulate the process were not only unethical but also a direct attack on the integrity of the African Union.”

Facing the reality of their defeat, Morocco shifted its approach by proposing an alternative strategy. The Moroccan delegation suggested that its candidate, Latifa Akherbash, withdraw in favor of supporting Egypt’s Hanan Morsi as a “compromise” candidate. However, this move was quickly rejected by Algeria, which chose to pursue a fair and transparent voting process instead of resorting to behind-the-scenes deals and political manipulation.

Algeria’s triumph in securing the Deputy Chairperson position reflects a carefully crafted strategy, spearheaded by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which involved appointing Selma Malika Haddadi, an experienced diplomat with deep knowledge of African affairs, to represent the country at the AU. Hadadi’s extensive diplomatic career across multiple African capitals and her credibility within the AU provided Algeria with a significant advantage in this contest. Her longstanding relationships with African leaders, coupled with Algeria’s firm commitment to African unity and development, proved decisive in securing the victory.

Furthermore, President Tebboune’s personal involvement in the summit played a crucial role in reshaping the balance of power within the AU. His high-profile engagements with fellow African leaders garnered substantial respect and support for Algeria’s position. The presence of Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, who conducted a vigorous diplomatic campaign across twelve African nations in support of Algeria’s candidacy, further solidified the country’s standing in Africa.

In stark contrast, Morocco’s diplomatic efforts were severely undermined by the perceived weakness of its candidate, Latifa Akherbash, who lacked significant experience or established relationships within Africa. Her brief tenure as an ambassador to Tunisia failed to impress many African diplomats, who viewed her as an outsider rather than a credible representative for Morocco’s interests on the continent.

The recent scandal has not only embarrassed Morocco but has also contributed to a growing sense of distrust and discontent within African diplomatic circles regarding the country’s approach to regional relations. Many African nations, tired of Morocco’s attempts to manipulate diplomatic processes with money and gold, have rallied behind Algeria, a country they see as genuinely committed to Africa’s progress.

As Morocco faces mounting international criticism for its unethical tactics, Algeria continues to assert its leadership role in Africa, demonstrating that diplomacy based on respect, integrity, and commitment to Africa’s future will always prevail over short-term gain and manipulation.

Brief Biography of Salima Malika Haddadi

• A Seasoned Diplomat with a Legacy of Service
  At 47, Haddadi is recognized as a seasoned diplomat with over two decades of experience advocating for Africa’s unity, stability, and development.
• Director General for Africa (March 2023 – April 2024)
  She served as Director General for Africa at Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, playing a key role in shaping Algeria’s strategic partnerships across the continent.
• Ambassador to Kenya and South Sudan (2019 – 2023)
  Represented Algeria as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kenya and South Sudan, strengthening bilateral relations.
• Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia and the AU (2015 – 2019)
  Served at Algeria’s embassy in Ethiopia and the African Union, contributing to diplomatic initiatives at the continental level.
• Head of the Sub-Directorate for Social Development (2013 – 2015)
  Led efforts in Algeria’s engagement in global socio-political discussions on women’s rights, youth empowerment, public health, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Director of the Algerian Bureau for Refugees and Stateless Persons (2012 – 2013)
  Advocated for humanitarian issues and ensured Algeria’s commitment to refugee protection.
• Counselor and Head of the Political Section at Algeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva
  Played a pivotal role in high-level negotiations and global policymaking on international diplomatic platforms.

 

 

Translated from:

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