The US Proclamation on the Sahara: A bet on a future of prosperity and stability.

The American recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara on December 10th, 2020 marked a decisive turning point in the evolution of the Sahara Question. It is all the more important as it comes from a permanent member of the Security Council which influence spreads widely across the international scene. 

The Presidential proclamation, released by the 45th president of the United States, in, reaffirms Morocco’s Sovereignty over its southern territories with immediate effect. The decree contains 4 key elements: The recognition on Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern provinces, the support given to the Autonomy plan, the investments agreements between the US and Morocco, and finally the opening of US Consulate General in Dakhla. 

Therefore, "as of today, the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory and reaffirms its support for Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute over the Western Sahara territory."

The full map of Morocco has been adopted by all American Administrations shortly after, and the US stated their position in front the United Nations Security Council, through an official letter, leaving no doubt concerning the country’s position. 

This proves, once again, the depth of the relationship between Morocco and the United States of America. History tells us that the first state to recognise the US as an independent country in 1777 was Morocco. Since then, the nature of the relations between the two countries have been nothing but excellent. Both Republican and Democratic Administrations have also expressed their support to the Autonomy plan issued presented by Morocco in April 2007, pointing it as the only political solution to the regional dispute. 

At the economic level, the US government has signed a 5 billion dollars agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco including 3 billion dollars in private investment in the region. This will help make Morocco the regional hub in North Africa in accordance with the Prosper Africa Program. This agreement will not only serve the region but the whole African continent as it will help it achieve the stability and security that is needed in the Sahel-Sahara region. 

The American steps taken in favour of Moroccan’s sovereignty and the economic development of the region points towards the dynamic of support to Morocco’s territorial integrity and the pre-eminence of the autonomy initiative.

Furthermore, 85% of UN member states do not recognise the so-called "sadr" phantom entity. The recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty has been emphasized by twenty-three countries with the opening of Consulates General in the region. 

The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, reiterated on December 15 in Riyadh, its constant positions and decisions in support of the Moroccan Sahara and the preservation of the security and stability of Morocco and its territorial integrity.

More than 60 states around the world, from all continents, support the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara as a final solution to the regional dispute. The latest country to have underlined the relevance of the autonomy plan is none other than Germany.
  
In light of these developments, it is clear that the American recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is a bet on the future for a region in an Africa of unity and prosperity.