In a significant shift, France has announced its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed Western Sahara region. This move aligns France with a growing list of countries backing Morocco's proposal as efforts to reach a resolution through United Nations-mediated peace talks have stalled.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his backing for Morocco's autonomy plan in a letter to King Mohammed VI, stating that it provides the 'only basis' for resolving the conflict. This decision deals a blow to the pro-independence Polisario Front, which has long claimed to represent the indigenous Saharawi people.
Macron emphasized that the future of Western Sahara lies within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, signaling France's intention to support this position both nationally and internationally. This shift marks a departure from France's historical stance on the issue.
The move by France follows similar shifts from other countries, including the United States, Israel, Spain, and several African nations, as Morocco seeks to strengthen its trade relationships.
However, the decision has faced criticism from Algeria and the Polisario Front, with accusations of supporting Moroccan expansionism and acting against international law. The Polisario Front's Foreign Minister, Mohamed Sidati, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing self-determination and independence for the Sahrawi people.
Despite ongoing tensions and disagreements over the territory's future, the United Nations has been unable to facilitate a referendum due to disputes over voter eligibility. Morocco annexed Western Sahara in 1975, leading to a conflict with the Polisario Front.
The territorial dispute remains a key issue in North Africa, impacting various aspects such as migration, smuggling, and counterterrorism. The recent shift in France's position adds a new dimension to the longstanding conflict over Western Sahara.
