France has recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a historic shift that could encourage more investment in the disputed mineral-rich territory but will further exacerbate tensions with neighbouring Algeria, Brussels Signal reports.
In a letter addressed to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Macron said:
The present and future of Western Sahara is within Morocco’s sovereignty.
He reiterated support for Morocco’s 2007 plan for Western Sahara, which he said is now seen as “the only basis” for resolving the nearly 50-year conflict with the Polisario Front independence movement. The rebel Sahrawi nationalist liberation group claims Western Sahara.
On July 30, the French president wrote:
Our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and unwavering. For France, this is now the only basis for a just, lasting and negotiated political solution per the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. It’s time to move forward. I therefore encourage all parties to meet with a view to a political settlement, which is within reach.
France’s stance could strain relations between France and Algeria.
Shortly before Macron’s letter, Algeria expressed its “disapproval” of Paris’ position on the Western Sahara issue. In a press release, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf called France’s decision “unexpected, untimely and counterproductive.” He also warned that the Algerian government “will bear all the consequences arising from this French decision.”
French-Moroccan Culture Minister Rachida Dati described Macron’s move as “an important and positive development that strengthens the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco.”
Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony controlled for the most part by Morocco. It is claimed by the Polisario group backed by Algeria, which is demanding a referendum on self-determination planned during the 1991 ceasefire but never held.
France’s view of the situation is shared by other leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has backed a 15-year Moroccan plan for autonomy for Western Sahara in 2022.
