France's President Emmanuel Macron officially endorsed Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during a recent address to Morocco’s parliament, signaling a notable shift in France's long-standing position on the contentious territory. Macron expressed that Western Sahara's future should reside under Moroccan governance and announced plans for French investment in the region, where thousands of Sahrawi people currently reside in refugee camps in Algeria.
France Affirms Support for Morocco in Western Sahara Dispute
France Affirms Support for Morocco in Western Sahara Dispute
Macron's declaration marks a shift in France's stance, igniting tensions with Algeria and raising concerns among the Sahrawi people.
The region in question has been embroiled in conflict since moderating from Spanish colonial control to a split governance: Morocco controls most, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front claims representation for the Sahrawi people's quest for independence. France's alignment with Morocco follows the support from other nations including Spain, the U.S., and Israel.
Applause erupted in the Moroccan parliament as Macron asserted that Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara is essential for achieving a just political resolution. This acknowledgment from France has incited outrage in Algeria, with officials promptly recalling their ambassador in protest, asserting that Morocco's involvement amounts to illegal occupation.
Amidst this geopolitical backdrop, Macron addressed the turbulent colonial history but refrained from issuing a formal apology, merely stating that Morocco had experienced the repercussions of European colonial ambitions. In an effort to strengthen ties, France and Morocco have reportedly finalized energy and infrastructure agreements valued at approximately €10 billion (around $10.8 billion), alongside pledges from Macron for sustainable investment in the local communities of Western Sahara.
This diplomatic engagement arrives on the heels of a strained relationship characterized by accusations of espionage and tightened visa regulations for Moroccans visiting France. With Algeria having severed diplomatic ties in 2021, the ongoing friction underlines the precarious balance in North African geopolitics, with both sovereign claims and the rights of the Sahrawi people hanging in the balance.
Macron's visit was prompted by an invitation from Morocco's King Mohammed VI, following earlier commendations from the royal court on France’s evolving position regarding Western Sahara. Nevertheless, Algeria continues to condemn France’s support for Morocco, claiming it undermines the Sahrawi's right to self-determination—a principle that has yet to attain traction despite a UN resolution promising a referendum on independence in 1991.
As tensions escalate, the future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, with calls for recognition of Sahrawi sovereignty against the backdrop of shifting international alliances and historical grievances shaping contemporary political discourse.
This situation is ongoing, and developments will be closely monitored.
Applause erupted in the Moroccan parliament as Macron asserted that Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara is essential for achieving a just political resolution. This acknowledgment from France has incited outrage in Algeria, with officials promptly recalling their ambassador in protest, asserting that Morocco's involvement amounts to illegal occupation.
Amidst this geopolitical backdrop, Macron addressed the turbulent colonial history but refrained from issuing a formal apology, merely stating that Morocco had experienced the repercussions of European colonial ambitions. In an effort to strengthen ties, France and Morocco have reportedly finalized energy and infrastructure agreements valued at approximately €10 billion (around $10.8 billion), alongside pledges from Macron for sustainable investment in the local communities of Western Sahara.
This diplomatic engagement arrives on the heels of a strained relationship characterized by accusations of espionage and tightened visa regulations for Moroccans visiting France. With Algeria having severed diplomatic ties in 2021, the ongoing friction underlines the precarious balance in North African geopolitics, with both sovereign claims and the rights of the Sahrawi people hanging in the balance.
Macron's visit was prompted by an invitation from Morocco's King Mohammed VI, following earlier commendations from the royal court on France’s evolving position regarding Western Sahara. Nevertheless, Algeria continues to condemn France’s support for Morocco, claiming it undermines the Sahrawi's right to self-determination—a principle that has yet to attain traction despite a UN resolution promising a referendum on independence in 1991.
As tensions escalate, the future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, with calls for recognition of Sahrawi sovereignty against the backdrop of shifting international alliances and historical grievances shaping contemporary political discourse.
This situation is ongoing, and developments will be closely monitored.
