Morocco’s King Lauds New Allies in Western Sahara Dispute After European Court Ruling

In a significant address to the Moroccan parliament, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed the centrality of the Western Sahara sovereignty dispute to Morocco’s foreign policy. His remarks come in the wake of a European court ruling that has reignited discussions surrounding the contested territory, which Morocco refers to as its “southern provinces.” The king’s speech highlighted Morocco’s diplomatic successes and the growing support from key international allies, framing these developments as pivotal steps toward resolving the long-standing conflict in Morocco’s favor.

Diplomatic Triumphs and International Support

King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude for the backing Morocco has received from influential nations, particularly the United States, Spain, and most recently, France. He specifically acknowledged French President Emmanuel Macron for his “frank support for the ‘Moroccanness’ of the Sahara,” a statement that underscores the shifting dynamics in international relations surrounding the issue. The king’s invitation for Macron to visit Morocco reflects a warming of ties between Paris and Rabat, signaling a potential shift in France’s longstanding position on the Western Sahara dispute.

The king emphasized that Morocco’s autonomy plan, proposed in 2007, aims to grant the country sovereignty over the Western Sahara while offering a degree of self-governance to the local population. This plan has garnered support from various countries that engage with Morocco on economic and security fronts. However, this approach risks straining relations with Algeria, a key player in the conflict and a supporter of the pro-independence Polisario Front.

Historical Context of the Western Sahara Conflict

The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been a contentious issue in North African politics since the 1970s. The United Nations classifies it as one of Africa’s last “non-self-governing territories” and recognizes the Polisario Front as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people. While Morocco controls most of the territory, the Polisario operates from refugee camps in Algeria, which provides financial and political support to the movement.

Efforts to resolve the conflict have been ongoing since a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991, but negotiations have stalled over the years. As Morocco seeks to solidify its claims through diplomatic channels, the Polisario has pursued legal avenues, challenging Morocco’s assertions in international courts.

Recent Developments and Legal Challenges

The recent ruling by Europe’s Court of Justice, which favored the Polisario by invalidating expired fishing and agricultural agreements between Morocco and the European Union, has added another layer of complexity to the situation. The court determined that these agreements did not adequately consider the rights of the Sahrawi people, prompting Morocco to reassess its strategies in light of this legal setback.

Despite these challenges, Morocco has made significant strides in garnering international support. The United States’ backing of Morocco’s autonomy plan was part of a broader agreement that included the normalization of relations with Israel in 2020. Following this, several countries, including Saudi Arabia and 18 European Union members, have aligned with Morocco’s stance.

Infrastructure Initiatives and Regional Alliances

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Morocco is actively pursuing infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing its influence in the region. The king noted that Morocco’s African allies view the Western Sahara as central to strategic continental initiatives, including a proposed pipeline from Nigeria and efforts to improve access to Atlantic trade routes for Sahelian countries. These initiatives not only bolster Morocco’s economic position but also reinforce its claim to the territory.

King Mohammed VI’s address underscored the importance of educating the international community about Morocco’s historical claims and the legitimacy of its position. He urged the few remaining countries that dispute Morocco’s claims to reconsider their stance, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to the issue.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in Moroccan Politics

The opening of parliament is one of the rare occasions when King Mohammed VI addresses the public, and his recent speech reflects a moment of significance in Moroccan politics. Flanked by his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, and his son, Prince Moulay Hassan, who is expected to succeed him, the king’s remarks signal a commitment to advancing Morocco’s interests in the Western Sahara dispute.

As Morocco navigates the complexities of international diplomacy, the king’s emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity remains a cornerstone of the nation’s foreign policy. With growing support from key allies and ongoing infrastructure initiatives, Morocco is poised to continue its efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict in its favor, even as legal challenges and regional tensions persist.