Former French President Sarkozy Backs Morocco’s Claim to Western Sahara

"Listen, don’t you think there are enough problems in the southern Sahara? Does a Sahrawi republic need to be created?" questions Nicolas Sarkozy during the presentation of his new book, "The Time of Battles", on the Spanish television show "Espejo publico" (Public Mirror), on the third channel Antena3. "I am in favor of the Moroccanness of the Western Sahara," he affirms, also welcoming Spain’s position on the issue. "I think the Spanish authorities have done well to recognize this," says the former French president. He continues in these terms: "when we see how King Mohammed VI has managed Morocco, has contained the most extremist Islamists, we can trust him. The Western Sahara is Moroccan."

Nicolas Sarkozy thus provides constant support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara. He has also expressed this support in the pages of his new book "The Time of Battles" (Éditions Fayard), published in August 2023, and called on French President Emmanuel Macron who is still reluctant to take the plunge. "This issue is central to Morocco’s strategic interests. It would prevent the establishment of a Sahrawi republic whose solidity and durability leave all well-informed observers more than perplexed. Knowing how to choose one’s friends, not fearing to incur the wrath of those who are less so, inscribing oneself in a long-term perspective, relying on common history: these should be the compasses of the President of the Republic."

After Spain, Nicolas Sarkozy should arrive in Morocco for the presentation of his book on December 13 and 14 in Rabat and Marrakech. "You know, like many French people, I love Morocco. For a reason I don’t know, I can’t read Camus without telling myself that I would have liked to be born in North Africa... I love this sun, I love this light, I love this civilization and, immediately in Morocco, I felt at home. I can’t explain it to you. It’s a country that I love. I love the nobility, the elegance of the Moroccans, their warmth, their welcome, whatever their social level," he declared on BFMTV in September.