Currently, France’s endorsement of the Moroccan autonomy plan over (Western) Sahara this week follows similar support from Spain in 2022 and recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over (Western) Sahara expressed by the United States in 2020 and Israel in 2023, along with a growing states’ list of Arab and African nations. The French position is highly significant and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the case of the Sahara conflict. This decision should be understood within the framework of growing recognition of the Moroccan initiative and backing for the Moroccan stance on the regional and international stage.
This French position comes after a silent persuasion, that has emerged in recent months between Morocco and France, which can be responded to many perspectives, including Morocco’s keenness to establish a balanced strategic partnership, aimless cooperation that induces Morocco’s interests, without exception, including the case of the Moroccan Sahara, along with trading, economic and societal considerations.
Furthermore, Rabat was surely expecting Paris to grasp a specific stance on the Moroccan (Western) Sahara territory conflict due to the historical relations between both states. These ties back to the French occupation of North Africa, and its impact in the area has been eventful. France’s position on the issue is crucial given its influential role in the region. At this stage, it is also important to consider other parameters that have contributed to the crisis, such as the need to reconstruct a strategic relationship among Northern African states after losing their position due to the US, China, and Russia rivalry in the region.
Despite the skepticism, the French position should not be seen as a sequestrated behavior, as it reflects the increasing international community’s conviction of the seriousness of separatist movements that do not lead to development and democracy. The French government is committed to supporting the autonomy plan as the rational alternative for resolving the Sahara territorial conflict. This approach aims to maintain territorial integrity and offers a realistic solution by providing the Moroccan Sharawi with the governor power in their affairs democratically. This will enhance serious development and allow them to capitalize on their natural resources.
In terms of foreign policy, the political system is hastily evolving to address and resolve regional and global issues, regardless of the nature of the conflict or negotiation process. The case of the Moroccan Sahara, which the United Nations has not yet addressed rationally, requires a political solution that satisfies both the Kingdom of Morocco and the “Polisario” front. This has been complicated by the direct involvement of neighboring Algeria, which has prevented any potential peace settlement between the two parties. Algeria has effectively become a third party in the Sahara issue by undermining Moroccan foreign policy and supporting part of the Sahrawi people in southern Morocco, arming them, and exerting pressure that has led to the emergence of armed conflict among the Sahrawi people, causing division between them and their Moroccan counterparts.
Rabat claims that Algeria’s foreign policy is attempting to drive a wedge between Morocco and the Polisario Front regarding the Sahara resolution, similar to its past endeavors. Morocco argues that Algeria is escalating tensions in the Guerguerat border zone and the Southern provinces to divert attention from its internal issues, particularly the upcoming Algerian elections. Likewise, various European and Western human rights institutions have denounced the worsening human rights status and compliance with humanitarian law in the Tindouf Refugee Camp located on Algerian land.
The kingdom of Morocco has proposed a comprehensive autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara, asserting its sovereignty to end the conflict that has lasted for over four decades. Several states, including the United States, Germany, Arab, Africa, Spain, and even Finland, perceived this proposal as the most sincere, credible, and practical policy for resolving the Sahrawi dispute. The kingdom has provided a detailed outline of its plans for the region.
Additionally, Morocco is currently an emerging state and a regional power. In diplomatic doctrine, Morocco’s support is rooted in its emphasis on reality, fairness, and legitimacy, rather than narrow understanding or ideology. As a result, Moroccan decision-makers have presented a roadmap for the autonomy plan with various parameters to resolve the Sahara conflict.
Morocco’s proposal, emphasized by King Mohammed VI and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, has garnered significant global support. The plan aligns with United Nations (UN) resolutions on the Saharawi question, and the Moroccan government is committed to creating conditions for a dialogue and negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable political solution. This stands in opposition to the position of the Polisario Front, which, backed by Algeria, calls for a referendum on independence for the Sahrawi population. The initiative aims to establish a democratic and modern society built on the rule of law and collective freedoms, as well as economic and social development. It holds the promise of a brighter future for the region’s people, bringing an end to separation and exile while promoting settlement. Furthermore, the Moroccan initiative is committed to honesty and aims to establish conditions for a process of dialogue and negotiation that will lead to a mutually acceptable political solution. The Moroccan autonomy plan is based on internationally recognized norms and standards, as well as relevant UN proposals and constitutional provisions in force in states geographically and culturally close to Morocco.
Equally, the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Union assert that it is tardy to call Algeria to the concession process as a main actor due to inadequate mutual trust among the concerned parties, specifically the Polisario Front. Together the US and France firmly insist that diplomacy is a process of unbroken mediations, steady convincing, and shared reconciliations if necessary. Morocco and the United Nations have plainly warned Algeria and other involved parties to come back to the negotiation table.
In conclusion, the French government may fully recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the southern provinces, especially the Moroccan Sahara. The French diplomacy has acknowledged the significance of the Moroccan Sahara issue. It is time to strengthen diplomatic cooperation to realistically resolve this conflict, particularly because other countries have shown support by opening consular institutions in the Sahara’s cities.
