IKEA opens its first store in Morocco

After months of diplomatic difficulties between Morocco and the Swedish government, IKEA will finally open its first store in the disputed area.

The difficulties were encountered because of Sweden’s plans to recognize the independence of Western Sahara territory, according to Quartz Africa.

Africa’s last colony, Western Sahara, is quarreled about for the Moroccan government because the Sahrawis claim the right to independence, even if the Moroccan forces tried to annex the territory and is investing billions of dollars for Moroccans to move there.

Last year, in September, Morocco didn’t allow IKEA to open its store because it didn’t have the proper licensing regarding its stance for Western Sahara. This also blocked other Swedish companies, such as H&M and Volvo.

Sweden has filled an internal review, which concluded in January that its government won’t recognize Sahara as an independent state. Thus, the relations with Morocco improved and IKEA managed to open its first store in the Casablanca outlet.

Now, the Swedish furniture and home decorating company has reached 375 stores in the whole world. For the Casablanca outlet area in Morocco there is already a website that’s running, but there hasn’t been given any official opening date.