U.S. reaffirms support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara

Wednesday 09 April 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

U.S. reaffirms support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara

In a significant geopolitical affirmation, the United States has reiterated its support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara, echoing the position initially communicated by former President Donald Trump to King Mohammed VI. This reaffirmation highlights a stable commitment towards a key player in the international arena, as noted by French political analyst Christophe Boutin in a statement to MAP.

Boutin recalled that the Trump administration had provided crucial support in 2020 not only for the Moroccan autonomy initiative in Sahara, recognized by the United Nations, but also for the territorial integrity of Morocco. He emphasized that Morocco's complete sovereignty over this region is now "clearly affirmed."

Four and a half years later, the Trump administration has reconfirmed that the only viable solution to the artificial conflict surrounding Sahara is its autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Boutin noted that the U.S. decision in 2020 has had positive repercussions on the international stage regarding this issue. In the following years, many nations have adjusted their positions, distancing themselves from those denying Morocco's claim to the territory or moving closer to recognizing Moroccan sovereignty, particularly Germany and France.

According to Boutin, this reaffirmation of the American stance is likely to yield further positive effects. He explained that the situation in Sahara, which is poised to become an economic hub connected to Africa through the Dakhla Atlantic port and a security stabilizer amid growing threats in the neighboring Sahel region, should encourage other states to align with the advocates of this solution.

During a meeting in Washington on Tuesday, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed this support. Rubio reiterated that the U.S. recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara, reinforcing that the United States backs a "serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal" as the only foundation for a just and durable resolution to this dispute, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Rubio further affirmed that the U.S. continues to believe that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution.