In a significant diplomatic shift, France has officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, triggering a swift and strong response from Algeria. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a letter to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, stated that France considers ‘the present and future of Western Sahara to be within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty’. This move aligns France with countries like Spain and the United States in supporting Morocco’s position on the long-disputed territory.Macron emphasized that Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan is now ‘the only basis for achieving a just, durable, and negotiated solution in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions’. The French President also expressed France’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s efforts to develop the economy and society in Western Sahara.In response to this diplomatic shift, Algeria has taken the dramatic step of recalling its ambassador from France, Said Moussi, with immediate effect. The Algerian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned France’s decision, describing it as a step taken with ‘great carelessness and naturalness, without considering the possible consequences’. Algeria accused France of violating international law and denying the Sahrawi people their right to self-determination.The conflict over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been ongoing since 1975, with Morocco controlling most of the territory and proposing autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, demands a referendum on self-determination. The United Nations considers Western Sahara a ‘non-autonomous territory’.This diplomatic crisis threatens to escalate tensions in the region, with Algeria downgrading its diplomatic representation in France to the level of chargé d’affaires. The move is seen as a significant success for Morocco’s diplomatic efforts, with the Moroccan royal palace welcoming Macron’s statement as a ‘significant development in support of Morocco’s sovereignty in the Sahara’.
Key points
- France has officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic stance.
- Algeria has recalled its ambassador from France in response to this decision, condemning it as a violation of international law.
- The move has escalated tensions in the region, potentially impacting the long-standing Western Sahara conflict.
Contradictions👾While most sources report Algeria recalling its ambassador from France, one source incorrectly states that Morocco recalled its ambassador from France.
