In a direct communication to King Mohammed VI, Donald Trump solidified Washington’s unwavering stance: the United States acknowledges Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and fully backs Rabat’s autonomy proposal. He championed this initiative as the “serious, realistic, and sole viable solution to justly and permanently resolve the conflict.”

The former American president further underscored that the perpetuation of the current situation is “unacceptable.” He posited that a resolution would significantly “foster prosperity and enhance integration among nations across the African continent.” Trump reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to continuing its efforts towards achieving a swift conclusion to the long-standing dispute.

The diplomatic rapprochement between Morocco and the United States gained momentum in December 2020, during the final weeks of Donald Trump’s initial presidential term. It was then that he officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This pivotal recognition was part of a broader agreement that included the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, positioning Rabat as a signatory to the Abraham Accords.

Beyond this critical diplomatic matter, the White House has consistently lauded Morocco’s pivotal role in regional security. The kingdom has been highlighted as a crucial partner in counter-terrorism efforts and addressing international security challenges. Donald Trump also paid tribute to what he described as King Mohammed VI’s “enlightened leadership” in promoting regional peace. He asserted that Rabat’s steadfast commitment against extremism and its dedication to the security of both Americans and Moroccans exemplify the robust strategic partnership between the two nations.

Against this backdrop, the American president announced an intensification of operational cooperation between Washington and Rabat across North-West Africa. He declared that both countries would collaborate closely to bolster security throughout the Sahel region.

The origins of the conflict

Western Sahara, a territory rich in natural resources, particularly phosphates and significant fisheries, remains a prominent source of diplomatic tension in North Africa. It also lies at the heart of the historical dispute between Morocco and Algeria, with the latter officially supporting the Polisario Front, which advocates for the independence of this former Spanish colony.

Morocco champions an autonomy plan that would grant extensive powers to the territory while maintaining it under Moroccan sovereignty. The Polisario Front, conversely, demands the organization of a self-determination referendum, allowing the inhabitants of the territory to choose their own future.

The conflict traces its roots back to 1975, when Spain concluded over 90 years of administering the territory, then known as “Spanish Sahara.” Following Madrid’s withdrawal, tensions escalated into a war between Morocco and the Polisario Front, eventually leading to a ceasefire in 1991 brokered by the United Nations.

Rabat views Western Sahara as an integral part of its national territory, citing historical ties of allegiance between Sahrawi tribes and the Alaouite monarchy. Algeria, for its part, supports the Polisario Front, which proclaimed the “Sahrawi Republic” in 1976. Algeria believes that the conflict’s resolution hinges on the exercise of the right to self-determination and the completion of the decolonization process.

Last year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Green March, during which approximately 350,000 Moroccan civilians marched in 1975 towards the then Spanish-administered Sahara, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution. This resolution deemed autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as “the most serious basis” for resolving the conflict.

Adopted on October 31st with 11 votes in favor and none against, the text urges all parties to resume negotiations founded upon the autonomy plan Morocco presented to the United Nations in 2007.

The resolution considers this proposal to be “the most realistic solution” and “the foundation” for future negotiations aimed at ending a conflict that has persisted for nearly half a century.

On that occasion, King Mohammed VI declared that the kingdom was entering “a decisive phase in its contemporary history,” adding: “The time for a unified Morocco has come.”