US Influence Suspected in Spain’s Shift on Western Sahara Autonomy

President Pedro Sanchez justified his decision to support the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara by specifying that he has only followed the example of the United States, France or Germany who, before him, have recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over this territory. After a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on January 18, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the two countries had "agreed to unite [their] forces to resolve this conflict (in the Sahara) which has lasted too long and for which a solution must be found".

On March 7, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, visiting Madrid, also exchanged with Minister Albares. A week later, President Pedro Sanchez addressed a letter to King Mohammed VI, expressing his support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara and his willingness to open a new chapter in the relationship with the kingdom. However, Albares, during his recent appearance in Congress, denied having discussed the Sahara issue with the American diplomat.

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Antony Blinken’s tour last week, which took him to Madrid, Rabat and Algiers, has finally convinced of the role played by American leaders in Spain’s change of position on the Sahara, reports Publico. In Morocco, Blinken reiterated his support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, former President Donald Trump having recognized the kingdom’s sovereignty over this territory in December 2020 and his successor, Joe Biden, not having revised this decision.

Sources from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs specify, however, that Spain’s choice to support the Moroccan autonomy plan "does not mean that autonomy is the only option that exists and that it must be imposed. We say that it is the most realistic, which implies that there are several options". For the Moncloa, this choice does not either mean an "abandonment of the Polisario", insisting on Spain’s support for the UN special envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.