France Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sahara Plan, Defying Algerian Pressure

Paris confirms its new position on the Sahara, two weeks after having recognized the Moroccan plan as the "only" solution to the conflict. In a communiqué sanctioning the tête-à-tête between the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the head of the Moroccan government, Aziz Akhannouch, on the sidelines of the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the Provence landing, the Élysée supported that "the present and the future of Western Sahara" are part "within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty".

"The President of the Republic has, in this context, reiterated France’s commitment to move forward with the Moroccan authorities on this issue of national security for Morocco," states the French Presidency in its communiqué, implicitly recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over this territory. Emmanuel Macron and Aziz Akhannouch expressed on this occasion their satisfaction with the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between Rabat and Paris.

The two parties also agreed to establish a new roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership between Morocco and France in the economic, agricultural, energy, cultural and educational fields and "respond to major common challenges, whether industrial, technological or related to climate change," insists the communiqué which follows the letter addressed by Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Throne Feast, in which he officially expressed France’s support for the Moroccan autonomy plan.

With this communiqué published on Thursday, the Élysée reiterates its position on the Sahara, despite the threats from Algeria. After recalling its ambassador to Paris, Algiers brandished the migration weapon against Paris and threatened to reduce its imports from the Hexagon. In a communiqué dated July 25, Algiers had stated that it would draw "all the consequences that result from this French decision and for which the French Government alone assumes full and complete responsibility." Threats that have remained a dead letter so far.