US Backs American Investment in Western Sahara, Bolstering Morocco’s Claim

This position was expressed on Thursday, September 25th by the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, following a meeting with the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.

In a statement, Mr. Landau affirmed: "We will support American companies wishing to invest and do business throughout Morocco, including in Western Sahara." This announcement is in line with the continued US support for Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, with the US administration considering the autonomy plan proposed by Rabat as the "only solution" to the conflict.

This US support comes as Morocco has intensified its own investments in the region, particularly in port infrastructure - with a $1 billion port project - roads, and renewable energy. The US position is shared by other members of the UN Security Council, such as France and the United Kingdom, who have also lent their support to the Moroccan autonomy plan.

This orientation is denounced by the Polisario Front and its supporter, Algeria, who continue to insist on the organization of a self-determination referendum including the option of independence.