French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the Moroccan people today in a video message, stating that Paris is ready to provide assistance in rescue efforts following the devastating earthquake that occurred on Friday, should King Mohammed VI accept France's offer. In a clip shared on social media, Macron said, "I wanted to speak directly to Moroccans to tell you that France is very saddened... by this horrific earthquake... We will stand by your side." He added, "We can provide direct humanitarian aid," and emphasized that it is up to King Mohammed VI and the government to organize international assistance. Morocco has so far rejected France's offers. Macron noted, "We are at their sovereign decision."
On Twitter, he said, "O Moroccans, we stand by you."
Many survivors of the earthquake faced difficulties living in temporary shelters on Tuesday after a fourth night outdoors, while rescue teams from Spain, Britain, and Qatar assisted Moroccan search teams. Italy, Belgium, and Germany reported that their offers of help had not yet received approval.
Relations between Paris and Rabat have been strained in recent years, particularly regarding Western Sahara, which Morocco wants France to recognize as Moroccan territory. There has been no Moroccan ambassador in Paris since January. France has more than 51,000 residents in Morocco according to French Foreign Ministry data, while the Migration and Demography Observatory indicates that roughly 1.5 million Moroccans live in France, including 670,000 who hold dual nationality.
