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

United Arab Emirates

UAE denies funnelling mercenaries into Sudan

Human Rights Watch has accused an Abu Dhabi-based security company of recruiting Colombian private military contractors and deploying them to fight alongside Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) between 2024 and 2025, adding to what the rights group describes as a growing body of evidence of Emirati military support for the paramilitary group.

Sudan

Sudan food crisis deepens as Iran war disrupts harvests

Farmers across Sudan say the hike in global fuel and fertilizer costs resulting from the Iran conflict will force them to cut back on planting this summer, restricting food production in a country where war has caused acute hunger.

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.