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France Embraces Morocco's Sovereignty Over Sahara: A Controversial Shift

Saturday 03 August 2024 - 12:10

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President Emmanuel Macron's recent endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty over Sahara has ignited a political storm in France.

Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris and a prominent member of the French Socialist Party (PS), has praised France's decision to support Morocco's claim over the contentious territory. "The decision concerning the Sahara is a good decision because there is indeed a Moroccan history," Hidalgo stated on LCI channel last night.

"Pedro Sanchez had taken this path, and it was more complicated for Spain to take this path and for the Spanish left. I think it's a good thing. In any case, I think it opens a new dialogue with Morocco, and I am very happy about that," she added.

Hidalgo's endorsement stands out as her party, the PS, has vehemently opposed President Macron's stance on the Sahara issue. The PS has issued a formal statement underscoring its dedication to a foreign policy that upholds international law, human rights, and the principle of self-determination.

The party has criticized Macron's move as a unilateral decision made without parliamentary consultation, highlighting potential adverse implications.

Despite her party's dissent, Hidalgo supports recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Sahara, citing the significance of strengthening ties with the North African country. "I have the chance to have Moroccan mayors as sisters in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, with whom I work in a truly exceptional way. So I am very happy that we are opening a new chapter with Morocco," she remarked.

Macron articulated his position in a message to King Mohammed VI, affirming that he views "the present and future of Sahara as part of Moroccan sovereignty." He reassured the King about the "intangibility of the French position on this issue of national security for the Kingdom."

Divided Reactions

French politicians are sharply divided over this significant shift in France's approach to the Sahara dispute.

Supporters of the decision, mainly from the right and center, have lauded it as a long-overdue recognition of on-the-ground realities. Gerard Larcher, President of the Senate, described the change as "decisive," asserting it was time to acknowledge the facts and end French ambiguity on the Sahara issue. Marine Le Pen, President of the National Rally group in the National Assembly, also welcomed the move but criticized its delay.

Conversely, left-wing parties have fiercely condemned Macron's stance. Fabien Roussel, Secretary General of the French Communist Party, accused Macron of betraying France's historically balanced position on UN resolutions and the rights of the Sahrawi people. Marine Tondelier, National Secretary of the Green Party, called the decision a "diplomatic fiasco" and a "serious historical error."

Morocco has consistently promoted a pragmatic and realistic solution based on compromise and dialogue, aligned with UN resolutions. The Moroccan Autonomy Plan, increasingly supported internationally over the past decade, offers a credible and viable path for the region's stability and prosperity.