Biden Administration Stands Firm on Morocco’s Sahara Sovereignty Despite Lobby Pressure

During the session devoted to the approval of President Joe Biden’s designation of General Lloyd Austin to head the Pentagon, the chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, James Inhofe, one of the defenders of the Polisario, tried to get him to take a position in favor of holding a referendum in the Moroccan Sahara.

Senator Inhofe stressed that "the United States was previously in favor of holding a referendum in the Sahara," stating that "the 54 African countries support the organization of a referendum." But this allegation is in stark contrast with reality, as the majority of African Union member states support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco.

For now, Mr. Inhofe’s attempt has not succeeded. "It’s an issue that we certainly want to look at more closely before I give you an answer on that, sir," the future Pentagon chief responded to him.