Geoeconomic disinformation and the Algeria-Morocco competition
Geoeconomic and geofinancial disinformation has been steadily on the rise in MENA, a trend which is likely to prolong as actors compete in a multipolar world.
Last week, Morocco claimed China agreed to invest 20 billion USD in Western Sahara cobalt reserves. The story garnered so much attention and controversy given the amount of money put forward.
However, it turns out the news was false and the Chinese dismissed it. What has happened is a Chinese delegation visited Morocco to discuss such investment but no agreements were reached.
The Moroccans used the disinformation to claim China recognises Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. Algerians were infuriated and sought to dismiss the Moroccan claims and used fact checking to dismiss Moroccan claims to Western Sahara.
The story is a replica of something that happened recently in Yemen. In that occasion, Houthis claimed Chinese agreed to explore for energy in Yemen. Shortly after the announcement, the involved Chinese company denied the claim and said there was a misunderstanding.
It is noteworthy how MENA actors seek to legitimate themselves to boost their economies based on establishing trade and investment links with China even if such links don't actually exist. Overall, geoeconomic and geofinancial disinformation has been steadily on the rise in MENA, a trend which is likely to prolong as actors compete in a multipolar world.