Al Jazeera Shifts Language, Refers to "Moroccan Sahara" in Latest Coverage

Al Jazeera has adopted a pro-Moroccan language in its report on the visit of David Schenker, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Near East and North Africa, to Dakhla. The Qatari channel used "Moroccan Sahara" instead of "Western Sahara". "A press conference by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on the occasion of the opening of an American representation in the city of Dakhla, in the Moroccan Sahara," it said in its report.

This is the first time that Al Jazeera, which has always displayed a certain neutrality in the conflict, has used the term "Moroccan Sahara". This change in editorial line can be described as another triumph of Moroccan diplomacy, as it comes a month after outgoing US President Donald Trump signed a decree recognizing his country’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.

This change can also be explained by Qatar’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. The two countries share strong diplomatic relations and have repeatedly expressed their willingness to continue to support each other on various strategic issues.