Morocco Pressures Spain for Western Sahara Support Amid Diplomatic Shift

According to diplomatic sources, Morocco is subordinating its good relations with Spain to the proactivity of its government towards the United States, which last month recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In exchange, Morocco has agreed to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

During a virtual press conference, convened jointly by the North American and Moroccan diplomacy, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, diplomatically urged Spain to follow the example of the United States or, at least, to support the Moroccan proposal, that of granting limited autonomy to the Sahara. "Europe must get out of its comfort zone and follow the momentum of the United States" which recognizes "Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara and supports autonomy," said Nasser Bourita, addressing the entire EU.

"Part of Europe must be bold, because it is close to this conflict," he continued, a clear allusion to Spain. In the eyes of Rabat, Spain’s position is important, as it is the former colonial power. According to the Moroccan authorities, if Spain changes its position, it could lead a large part of the EU.

Rabat hopes that Spanish diplomacy will move from veiled to public support. If it does not align with the United States, it will at least do so with France, which does not hide its preference for the autonomy plan.