Algeria France supports Morocco's claim to Western Sahara

In a significant step, France has recognized Morocco's claim over the internationally disputed territory of Western Sahara.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a letter to Morocco's King Mohammed VI that "the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty." France supports the autonomy plan for the region proposed by Morocco in 2007.

This plan is the only basis for a just and lasting political solution in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

The announcement is a major political gain for Morocco, with France now following in the footsteps of Spain, the USA and Israel. Morocco's royal family spoke of an "important and significant development" on the issue.

Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until 1975. Following Spain's withdrawal, Morocco annexed several areas of the territory. Since then, Rabat has controlled large parts of the sparsely populated but resource-rich desert region. The Frente Polisario movement is striving for an independent state in Western Sahara and is supported by Algeria.

Algeria reacted immediately and recalled its ambassador from France just hours later. France "definitely and explicitly supports the colonial reality" imposed on Western Sahara, the Algerian Foreign Ministry told the state agency APS.

"This step, which no French government has ever taken before, has been taken by the current government with great contempt and disregard, without a clear assessment of the consequences."

Spain had conceded to Morocco in 2022 that Western Sahara could be an independent province under Moroccan sovereignty as proposed by Rabat. In protest, Algeria withdrew its ambassador from Madrid and left the post vacant for more than a year.

SDA