In a notable shift in foreign policy, French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly affirmed Morocco's claim to Western Sahara, asserting that the territory should remain under Moroccan sovereignty. Speaking to Morocco's parliament in Rabat, he emphasized France's commitment to invest in the region, which has been a contentious area since its time as a Spanish colony. Morocco currently controls most of Western Sahara while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks independence for the Sahrawi people. Macron's remarks were met with applause from Moroccan lawmakers but sparked a swift diplomatic backlash from Algeria, which accused France of endorsing an illegal occupation and subsequently recalled its ambassador from Paris.
France Strengthens Support for Moroccan Claims in Western Sahara Dispute
France Strengthens Support for Moroccan Claims in Western Sahara Dispute
Emmanuel Macron's endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has ignited regional tensions, especially with Algeria.
France's support aligns with backing from various countries, including Spain and the US, indicating a potential geopolitical shift regarding the long-standing dispute. The historical context of France's colonial past in both Morocco and Algeria complicates the situation as Macron attempts to mend strained relationships between the nations following espionage allegations and tightened visa regulations from France.
Macron acknowledged the dark chapters of colonial history but avoided issuing a formal apology, reflecting a desire to navigate the complexities of France's historical ties in the region. The French leader's visit coincided with new agreements on energy and infrastructure worth up to €10 billion, signaling a deepening partnership with Morocco.
Algeria expressed significant disappointment over France's stance, viewing it as a violation of the Sahrawi people’s rights to self-determination. Meanwhile, the Polisario Front condemned Macron's policy shift as an endorsement of Moroccan "aggression" in occupied territories. This latest diplomatic maneuver underscores both the potential for evolving international alliances and the intricate challenges facing peace and autonomy in Western Sahara, an area still seeking resolution from a 1991 peace agreement that promised a referendum on self-determination that remains unfulfilled.
Macron acknowledged the dark chapters of colonial history but avoided issuing a formal apology, reflecting a desire to navigate the complexities of France's historical ties in the region. The French leader's visit coincided with new agreements on energy and infrastructure worth up to €10 billion, signaling a deepening partnership with Morocco.
Algeria expressed significant disappointment over France's stance, viewing it as a violation of the Sahrawi people’s rights to self-determination. Meanwhile, the Polisario Front condemned Macron's policy shift as an endorsement of Moroccan "aggression" in occupied territories. This latest diplomatic maneuver underscores both the potential for evolving international alliances and the intricate challenges facing peace and autonomy in Western Sahara, an area still seeking resolution from a 1991 peace agreement that promised a referendum on self-determination that remains unfulfilled.
