In a significant diplomatic shift, France has officially recognized Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the sole solution to the long-standing territorial dispute. This decision, announced in a letter from President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, aligns France with its Western allies on this contentious issue.
The Western Sahara conflict, which began in 1975, has been a source of regional tension for nearly five decades. The dispute pits Morocco, which claims sovereignty over the territory, against the Polisario Front, an Algeria-backed group seeking independence for the region.
France's stance supports Moroccan sovereignty while proposing autonomy for Western Sahara. Macron stated, "For France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved." This position marks a departure from France's previous diplomatic balancing act between Morocco and Algeria.
The decision has sparked a diplomatic row with Algeria, which promptly withdrew its ambassador to France. The Algerian foreign ministry criticized the move, stating that it denies the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination.
Western Sahara, a territory of 266,000 square kilometers with a population of approximately 600,000, has been at the center of geopolitical tensions in Northwest Africa. The region is rich in phosphate reserves and has significant fishing potential along its coast.
Some key facts about the Western Sahara situation:
- Morocco controls about 80% of the territory
- A 2,700 km sand berm divides Moroccan and Polisario-controlled areas
- The UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory
- MINURSO, the UN peacekeeping mission, operates in the region
- The conflict has resulted in thousands of Sahrawi refugees
The international community remains divided on the issue. While France, Spain, the United States, and several Arab countries support Morocco's position, Algeria continues to back the Polisario Front's independence claim.
A UN-proposed referendum in 1991 never materialized due to disagreements over voter eligibility and implementation. Recent UN Security Council resolutions have shifted focus towards finding a realistic, compromise-based solution.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely. The French decision may influence future diplomatic efforts to resolve this protracted conflict in Northwest Africa.
"We are looking to the future with a strong ambition to benefit both our peoples."
This statement underscores France's desire to maintain positive relations with both Morocco and Algeria, despite the current tensions. As the diplomatic landscape shifts, the path to a lasting resolution for Western Sahara remains uncertain.