Dakhla Atlantique: the Moroccan port that seriously worries the Canary Islands

This infrastructure, whose construction is about 40% complete, should be operational between 2028 and 2029. Rabat does not hide its ambitions: to make this coastal city of the Sahara a major logistics, industrial and energy hub, oriented towards West Africa and the Americas. The port is at the heart of the Kingdom’s "Atlantic Initiative", aimed at consolidating its influence on maritime routes.

Beyond the economy, the issue is eminently political. By developing this area, Morocco is pursuing a policy of fait accompli to establish its sovereignty over this disputed territory, writes El Periodico. Effective control of Dakhla would allow Rabat to influence the delimitation of territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, directly impacting the Canary Islands in terms of fishing and air space control.

Faced with this coherent and expansive Moroccan strategy, the Spanish position appears ambiguous. While Madrid remains officially attached to the UN framework, its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan and the recent commercial missions of Canarian entrepreneurs on site are perceived as de facto recognition. A situation that risks undermining the historical role of the Spanish archipelago as a logistics hub between Europe and Africa.