Trump reaffirms American recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara

In a message to King Mohammed VI, Donald Trump confirmed that Washington maintains its recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara and its support for the autonomy plan proposed by Rabat, which he describes as the only "just and lasting" solution to the conflict.

The American president presented the Moroccan autonomy plan as "the serious, realistic, and unique solution capable of ending the conflict in a just and lasting manner." He deemed maintaining the status quo "unacceptable," believing that a settlement would promote "prosperity and strengthen integration among the countries of the African continent."

This stance is consistent with the decision made by Trump in December 2020, during his final weeks in the White House, to officially recognize Moroccan sovereignty over this territory. This recognition was granted in exchange for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, making Rabat a signatory to the Abraham Accords.

Beyond the Western Sahara issue, Trump praised Morocco's role in regional security, presenting it as a key partner in the fight against terrorism. He paid tribute to the "enlightened leadership" of King Mohammed VI, stating that Rabat's commitment to combating extremism illustrated the strength of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Washington and Rabat also announced a strengthening of their operational cooperation in Northwest Africa, particularly regarding security in the Sahel region.

Western Sahara, rich in phosphates and fishing resources, remains one of the main hotspots of diplomatic tension in North Africa. The conflict pits Morocco against the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, since Spain's withdrawal in 1975. After open warfare, a ceasefire was agreed upon in 1991 under the auspices of the United Nations, but a definitive settlement has not been reached since.

Morocco advocates an autonomy plan that grants broad powers to the territory while maintaining its sovereignty, based on the historical ties of allegiance between the Sahrawi tribes and the Alawite monarchy. The Polisario Front, for its part, demands a referendum on self-determination. Algeria officially supports the independence movement, which proclaimed the "Sahrawi Republic" in 1976.

On October 31, the 50th anniversary of the Green March, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution with 11 votes in favor and none against, deeming autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty "the most serious basis" for a settlement. The text called on the parties to resume negotiations based on the plan presented by Rabat to the United Nations in 2007, describing it as "the most realistic solution" and a "foundation" for future discussions. On this occasion, King Mohammed VI declared that the kingdom was entering "a decisive phase in its contemporary history," adding: "The time for a unified Morocco has come."