Skip to main content

French President affirms support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara

1 min Mena Today

French President Emmanuel Macron solemnly reaffirmed on Tuesday before the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat that the “present and future” of Western Sahara “lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” drawing enthusiastic applause from the assembly.

This time, Algeria seems to have lost the game © Mena Today 

This time, Algeria seems to have lost the game © Mena Today 

French President Emmanuel Macron solemnly reaffirmed on Tuesday before the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat that the “present and future” of Western Sahara “lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” drawing enthusiastic applause from the assembly.

"This position is not hostile to anyone," Macron stated, addressing criticism from Algeria, which supports the independence movement led by the Polisario Front in the disputed territory. “I also say here, with great emphasis, that our companies and operators will support the development of these territories through sustainable and solidarity-driven investments for the benefit of local populations,” he added.

Following the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory by the United States, Spain, and numerous African countries, Rabat has pressured France to adopt a similar stance. On July 30, Macron took a significant step by writing to King Mohammed VI and expressing that the future of Western Sahara falls "within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty." This move marked a diplomatic shift, warming relations between Paris and Rabat while simultaneously straining ties with Algeria.

Macron’s visit to Morocco underscores France’s commitment to a new chapter in relations with Morocco and a strengthened collaboration on economic and development projects in the region.

By Daniel Ken 

Related

Algeria

Pope Leo returns to his spiritual roots

Pope Leo paid homage to his spiritual roots on Tuesday, travelling to the ancient birthplace in Algeria of St. Augustine of Hippo, who inspired him to become a priest.

Lebanon

Ceasefire and security : Top agenda in Israel-Lebanon talks

Israeli and Lebanese envoys will meet for U.S.-mediated talks in Washington on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to calm weeks of Israeli fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah that has threatened to derail a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Algeria

In Algeria, the Pope preaches in the desert

On the first day of his visit to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of democratic hope to a regime that has spent decades ensuring such hope goes nowhere.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.