French president Emmanuel Macron has expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his successful diplomatic efforts that led to the release of four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso since December 2023.
The men, who were accused of espionage, were freed following negotiations facilitated by Morocco.
According to France 24, Macron spoke to King Mohammed VI on Wednesday to warmly thank him for his help in securing the release of the four French nationals.
The news outlet recalled the tense diplomatic crisis between France and Burkina Faso, noting that ties have significantly deteriorated between the two countries since President Ibrahim Traore came to power in September 2022.
“The French embassy has been led only by a charge d’affaires since Burkinabe authorities demanded the departure of ambassador Luc Hallade,” the report said.
Morocco’s diplomatic efforts in this matter come months after Rabat and Paris announced reconciliation. The two countries notably put behind months of diplomatic tensions after France announced in late July its decision to fully recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Bilateral relations further strengthened following Macron’s historic state visit to Rabat, where he reaffirmed his country’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, saying that the present and future of Western Sahara lies within Moroccan sovereignty.
