France Recognizes Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Minister Hails ’Historic’ Move

Of Moroccan origin, Rachida Dati affirmed in a post on X that France has an interest in strengthening its ties of friendship with Morocco, stressing that this official recognition by Paris of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara will help strengthen cooperation with Rabat.

The new position of France on the Sahara is historic and marks the beginning of a new era in its relationship with Morocco, insisted the French minister, who specifies that this is the first time that France has displayed such a clear position on this sensitive issue of national interest for Morocco, its king and its people. Rachida Dati also insisted on the indisputable nature of the Moroccanness of the Sahara, stressing that Moroccan sovereignty over this territory should not give rise to any controversy.

"For France, autonomy (of the Sahara) under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework in which this issue must be resolved. Our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and constant," said French President Emmanuel Macron in a message addressed to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Throne Feast, adding that this plan "is now the only basis for reaching a just, lasting and negotiated political solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council."