Massad Boulos: “It’s the Moroccan Sahara, not the Western Sahara”

Friday 17 October 2025 - 17:02

In a statement reinforcing the U.S. position on the Moroccan Sahara, Massad Boulos, senior adviser to Donald Trump for Africa and the Middle East, confirmed that a U.S. consulate will be opened in Morocco’s southern provinces if Trump wins a second term in office.

Speaking in an interview aired on October 16, 2025, on Acharq News, Boulos firmly stated: “It’s the Moroccan Sahara, not the Western Sahara,” underscoring the continuity of Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory, first announced by Donald Trump in December 2020.

The adviser praised the historic vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, describing the monarch’s leadership as “wise and courageous,” particularly regarding his calls for renewed dialogue with Algeria. Boulos also highlighted the King’s latest Throne Day speech, which he called “historic,” emphasizing its commitment to a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution.

According to him, Donald Trump has always prioritized a pragmatic and durable approach, rooted in stability, regional cooperation, and Morocco’s pivotal role in promoting peace and economic growth in Africa.

Addressing the upcoming UN Security Council discussions on the MINURSO mission, Boulos expressed cautious optimism, noting that Washington places great trust in King Mohammed VI’s leadership to guide the process toward a peaceful resolution.

“The time has come for a definitive solution to this regional issue. We believe Morocco’s autonomy plan remains the only realistic and enduring option,” Boulos said, while urging all parties to engage constructively.

He also revealed that he had recently met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, stating that Algeria appears open to improving relations with Morocco. He called for an end to decades of tension between the two neighbors: “Morocco and Algeria are brotherly nations, bound by shared history and geography. It’s time to turn the page and restore the spirit of Maghreb unity.”

Boulos concluded by thanking the United States’ European partners, including France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the European Union, for their continued support for a UN-led political solution.

“We are more optimistic than ever that a lasting resolution can be achieved. After fifty years of stalemate, the moment for courage and clarity has arrived,” he said, reaffirming that Morocco remains a key strategic ally of the United States in Africa.