Former US President Donald Trump has once again reaffirmed the United States’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This declaration, conveyed in a letter to Moroccan King Mohammed VI, highlights the enduring strength of the US-Morocco relationship and underscores Washington’s support for Rabat’s autonomy plan for the disputed territory.
Trump’s letter, cited by Morocco’s MAP news agency, explicitly states that the US values its strong partnership with Morocco and recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. He further described Morocco’s autonomy plan as “serious, credible, and realistic,” reiterating it as the only viable path towards a lasting resolution of the decades-long conflict.
This recent statement builds upon Trump’s earlier recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in 2020, a move that coincided with Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. The consistent US backing of Morocco’s position contrasts sharply with the stance of the Polisario Front, which advocates for a UN-supervised referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, echoed this sentiment earlier this week, referring to Morocco as one of Washington’s oldest and closest friends. His statement underscores the strategic importance of the US-Morocco relationship and its focus on shared priorities such as regional peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts, and commercial cooperation.
Morocco’s autonomy plan, while accepted by several countries including Israel, France, Portugal, and the UK, remains a point of contention. Algeria, a long-standing supporter of the Polisario Front, has consistently criticized countries endorsing the plan, warning of potential escalations in the conflict. Despite these tensions, King Mohammed VI recently expressed openness to dialogue with Algeria to de-escalate the situation between the two neighboring nations.
The ongoing dispute over Western Sahara remains a complex and sensitive issue, with significant geopolitical implications. Trump’s latest statement, while not binding on the current US administration, provides a clear indication of the former President’s position and highlights the continued importance of the US-Morocco relationship within the broader context of North African politics.
