Morocco has been readmitted to the African Union more than three decades after it left when the continental body’s predecessor recognised the independence of the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Hopes that the move could pave the way for peace-building were bolstered after Western Sahara – regarded by Morocco as part of its historic territory – welcomed the readmission. Analysts say that while the kingdom’s decision to re-join the AU was driven by a desire to weaken the Polisario Front (the liberation movement for the Western Sahara), it is also a reflection of its economic ambitions on the continent.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, who had been campaigning since last year to join the bloc, told African leaders at the AU summit in Addis Ababa: “Africa is my home, and I am coming back home.” The foreign minister of Western Sahara (officially the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, said on Monday that Morocco’s readmission was a “positive step for the people of Western Sahara”.

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