France Recognizes Morocco's Sovereignty over Western Sahara
In a message dated Tuesday, July 30, to King Mohammed VI, President Macron recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, referred to as Western Sahara by UN bodies. He stated that "the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty." This date was happily chosen as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the king's reign and the Throne Day celebrations. In his letter, the president affirmed that this decision is in line with ongoing diplomatic continuity, asserting that the French position remains unchanged. Highlighting France's consistency, he added that "autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty now constitutes the only basis for achieving a political, just, durable, and negotiated solution, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, and is the framework within which this issue should be resolved."
This announcement has been long anticipated due to the particularly close ties between the two countries, dating back at least to Lyautey's protectorate from 1912 to 1925. Early signs of this shift emerged recently with the appointment of Mr. Christophe Lecourtier as ambassador to Rabat, whose initial, particularly friendly statements indicated a good understanding of the issue.
The announcement was eagerly awaited not only by French friends of Morocco but also by many African countries, especially those with consulates in the two major cities of the Sahara, Laayoune and Dakhla.
What exactly is at stake here? Morocco, which exercised political, religious, and economic authority in Africa for at least a thousand years, was recognized as an Empire, a fact notably attested by letters from Louis XIV and Napoleon I and diplomatic acts like the 1631 Treaty of Friendship. However, in the 19th century, during the colonial era, its Saharan territories were colonized and placed under Spanish direct administration, while those of the Maghreb were under the dual protectorate of France and Spain in the northern part of the country. When the protectorates ended in 1956, the Kingdom regained partial territorial sovereignty, but Spain maintained its domination over the Sahara until 1974. When it withdrew, Algeria entered the scene, refusing to recognize the Saharan territories as Moroccan and aiming to establish a republic under its control to gain access to the Atlantic Ocean.
This project did not succeed, but it opened a conflict with Morocco, which, judging by Algeria's vehement reactions to the French decision, remains intense. In November 1975, King Hassan II, through a decisive move, harnessed the people's refusal and anger, encouraging 350,000 Moroccans from across the country to join the Sahara. This national movement opposed Algeria's Byzantine claims. The UN, in its peace mission, facilitated discussions that concluded in 2007 with the recognition of Morocco's sovereignty, within an autonomous organization of the southern regions. This process is now firmly established. Regional, provincial, and communal institutions based on elections cooperate with national government and legislative bodies.
"Today, an increasingly broad international consensus is emerging," notes the French President, "It is time to move forward. I therefore encourage all parties to meet for a political settlement, which is within reach." Indeed, around one hundred states, including the United States, support Morocco, and over thirty consulates general promote development and peace in these southern provinces. France should naturally follow its decision by establishing a mission in Laayoune and/or Dakhla.
While the two countries may have had some differences in recent years, they will quickly unite on numerous common interests.
