France’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara marks a pivotal moment in the longstanding territorial dispute in North Africa. In a letter to Moroccan King Mohammed VI, French President Emmanuel Macron officially acknowledged that the “present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” This endorsement of Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal as the “only basis” to resolve the conflict reshapes the geopolitics of the region, bolstering both France’s strategic position and Morocco’s growing influence on the continent.
The French decision arrives at a time when the country’s influence in Africa has been waning, following a series of military coups that have diminished its longstanding dominance. Despite this, France’s recognition of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara underscores its continued interest in the region and acknowledges Morocco’s historical and strategic significance.
Morocco has asserted its claim over Western Sahara since the territory gained independence from Spain in 1975. Spanning over 250,000 square kilometers with more than 1,000 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, the region is of immense historical importance to Morocco. Throughout history, various Moroccan kingdoms, including the Almoravids and Saadian dynasty, have maintained ties with the Saharan tribes, such as the Reguibat, Tekna, and Oulad Delim, which pledged allegiance to Moroccan sultans due to shared political, spiritual, and trade interests.
The region eventually came under Spanish and French control in the late 19th century. Morocco’s modern-day claim is rooted in these historical ties and its assertion of responsibility for border discrepancies left by European powers. France’s recent recognition is a significant acknowledgment of its historical role and a strategic move to align with Morocco in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
France joins the US, Spain, and Israel in recognizing Morocco’s claim, aligning its North Africa foreign policy with Western allies. The UK and Germany have also shown increasing support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, signaling broader diplomatic backing for the Kingdom. Morocco’s growing independence in economic and foreign policies is part of a wider multilateralism, reducing reliance on traditional partners like France. Morocco’s rejection of French aid following a devastating earthquake in the Atlas Mountains last October highlighted its ability to rely on a diverse range of international partners, further emphasizing its strategic importance.
France’s decision to support Morocco over Algeria, despite the latter’s importance as a gas supplier, reflects a shift in its regional strategy. Strong diplomatic ties with Morocco are crucial for France as it faces the forced evacuation of its troops and diplomats from other parts of Africa. In this context, France recognizes the value of Morocco’s political and economic stability as a means to secure its own strategic interests in the region.
This diplomatic achievement paves the way for Morocco and its international partners to tap into the economic potential of Western Sahara. The region is home to some of the world’s largest reserves of phosphate, a critical component in fertilizer production. With global demand for phosphate surging due to supply chain disruptions from the Ukraine war, Morocco has ramped up production and export, solidifying its role as a key player in global food security.
Additionally, Western Sahara’s geography is ideal for developing renewable energy infrastructure, which could supply electricity to Morocco’s neighbors in Africa and Europe. France has shown interest in investing in these sectors, with Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire confirming France’s readiness to fund a 3GW power cable between Casablanca and Dakhla.
France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara will further enhance Morocco’s position as a strategic gateway to Africa. The region’s location makes it crucial for future transportation infrastructure projects, including the proposed high-speed railway tunnel between Spain and Morocco, the 7,000-kilometer Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, and improvements to the Trans-Sahara Highway. The development of Dakhla Atlantic Port, one of the largest in the region, will also boost Morocco’s role as an economic powerhouse in Africa.
While the UN and the broader international community have yet to officially recognize Morocco’s claim, France’s decision marks a significant diplomatic victory for Morocco, especially amid recent tensions between the two nations. With over 40 countries establishing consular representation in Western Sahara, there is a growing international acceptance of Morocco’s claim. France’s decision acknowledges Morocco’s crucial role in finding a constructive solution to the Western Sahara conflict, a necessary step toward the region’s economic and social development.
