Morocco: Protests opposing the normalization of relations with Israel possible nationwide through at least Dec. 31 /update 1

Event

Protests opposing the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel are possible across the country through at least Dec. 31. On Dec. 14, authorities in Rabat dispersed a demonstration that activists had organized in solidarity with Palestinians and in opposition to Morocco's decision to normalize ties with Israel. US President Donald J. Trump announced that Israel and Morocco had agreed to resume full diplomatic relations Dec. 10. Trump also stated that he signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Additional demonstrations are possible across the country, particularly near popular protest locations, such as prominent public squares, city centers, and government buildings. In Rabat, activists could gather outside the country's Parliament. Heightened security measures are likely if any demonstrations materialize. Localized business and transport disruptions are possible, especially if there is a significant turnout.

Context

Morocco is the fourth Arab state in 2020 to agree to resume diplomatic relations with Israel after the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Sudan. While Morocco and Israel will begin diplomatic liaisons in Tel Aviv and Rabat immediately, the two countries will open consulates and embassies at a later date. Morocco has also agreed to grant overflights of its airspace and direct commercial flights to and from Israel for all Israeli citizens.

Western Sahara is a former Spanish protectorate. Morocco, which has been controlling the region since 1975, was engaged in an armed conflict with the Polisario Front until 1991, when the UN brokered a ceasefire and established the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) peacekeeping mission. Tensions, however, have heightened in recent weeks after Rabat launched a military operation in the disputed territory's disputed buffer zone of El Guerguerat Nov. 13. Morocco maintains that Western Sahara is an integral part of its territory and is determined to retain sovereignty over the disputed territory. Morocco controls nearly 80-percent of the territory, while the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) controls the remainder of the territory from a government-in-exile in Algeria's Tindouf Province. The SADR receives support from Algiers in its mission to secure independence from Morocco and establish a sovereign country in the territory.

Advice

Avoid all announced or spontaneous protests as a standard security precaution. Exercise caution near possible protest locations. Monitor local media for demonstration activity, as organizers may not announce plans in advance. Confirm the availability of transport and allow additional time to reach destinations. Plan for increased security and localized transport disruptions near any gatherings. Heed all instructions by the authorities.