Muthomi Ireri
France has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, deviating from its longstanding position and joining a growing number of nations that support Morocco amidst a stalled United Nations-led peace process.
In a letter to King Mohammed VI, French President Emmanuel Macron described Morocco’s 2007 proposal, which offers limited autonomy to the region under Moroccan sovereignty, as the “only basis” for resolving the conflict. This stance undermines the pro-independence Polisario Front, which claims to represent the Saharawi people.
Macron stated, “The present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” and affirmed that France would consistently support this position at both national and international levels.
France’s shift marks a significant diplomatic win for Morocco, following similar endorsements from the United States, Israel, Spain, and various African nations with which Morocco seeks to enhance trade relations.
Ahead of the public announcement, Algeria and the Polisario Front criticized France’s decision. Mohamed Sidati of the Polisario Front accused France of supporting Moroccan expansionism and acting against international law. Sidati emphasized that the Sahrawi people would continue their struggle for self-determination and independence despite France’s support for Morocco.
A high-ranking Moroccan official hailed the decision as a “game-changer,” noting France’s influential role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, which oversees the peacekeeping mission between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
In response, Algeria condemned France’s policy shift, labeling Morocco and France as “colonial powers, new and old.” Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the decision as politically dubious and legally unjustified.
The Western Sahara conflict began in 1975 when Morocco annexed the region following Spain’s withdrawal, leading to a war with the Polisario Front. The United Nations recognizes the Polisario Front as the legitimate representative of the Saharawi people and brokered a 1991 cease-fire, establishing a peacekeeping mission to prepare a referendum on the territory’s future. However, disagreements over voter eligibility have stalled the referendum.
While Morocco seeks international recognition for its claim to Western Sahara, the Polisario Front continues to fight for its right to represent the territory. Sporadic violence has persisted since the Polisario resumed armed conflict in 2020, ending a 29-year truce.
The territorial dispute significantly impacts key issues in North Africa, including migration, smuggling, and counterterrorism efforts.
Silverio Omari
