France to Open Consulate in Moroccan Sahara, Affirming Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty

"France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara is non-negotiable," Gérard Larcher said after his meeting with the President of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (Corcas) in Rabat. The President of the French Senate seized this opportunity to reaffirm Paris’ support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, considered as a "perspective allowing to build the present and the future of this region [the Sahara] of Morocco."

This position of France on the Sahara is not that "of a government or an Executive, it is indeed the policy of France," said Larcher, adding that "France is undoubtedly the country that knows this region the best" and is determined to defend this position within international bodies.

Several French and Moroccan personalities, including Christian Cambon, President of the France-Morocco Friendship Group, Cédric Perrin, President of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee, and Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Rabat, were alongside the President of the French Senate during his visit to Laâyoune.

For the Moroccan authorities, this statement by the French official marks a new stage in the bilateral relations between Rabat and Paris. Several states that have recognized the Moroccanness of the Sahara have already opened diplomatic or consular representations in Laâyoune and Dakhla. France is now poised to follow suit.