Follow us on Facebook

Walaw

Politics

US Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Sahara Stance, Frustrating Algeria

Thursday 03 - 08:50

Zoom

The United States has once again demonstrated its unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity in the Sahara dispute, much to the chagrin of Algeria and the separatist Polisario Front. Recent actions by the US State Department and embassy in Morocco have reinforced Washington's position, despite ongoing lobbying efforts from Algiers.

In a notable move, the US embassy in Morocco shared a social media post featuring a map of Morocco that included its southern provinces in Sahara. While the post ostensibly celebrated Morocco's participation in a UN initiative to combat childhood lead poisoning, the visual representation spoke volumes about America's stance on the territorial dispute.

This visual affirmation comes on the heels of a statement from the US State Department, which reiterated support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a "serious, credible, and realistic" solution to the long-standing conflict. The statement followed high-level discussions between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington.

The US position has remained consistent since December 2020, when then-President Donald Trump issued a proclamation recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Despite Algeria's persistent efforts to sway the Biden administration, Washington has shown no signs of reversing course.

Algeria's role in the dispute has come under increased scrutiny, with Morocco's UN ambassador Omar Hilale accusing the neighboring country of creating, financing, and supporting the Polisario Front. Hilale's strong-worded speech at the UN highlighted the tensions surrounding the issue and Algeria's direct involvement in the conflict.

The Sahara dispute has long been a source of regional instability, with Morocco proposing an autonomy plan for the region while Algeria supports the Polisario Front's calls for independence. The US support for Morocco's position has added a new dimension to the geopolitical landscape of North Africa.

As the diplomatic chess game continues, the US-Morocco alliance appears to be strengthening. The recent reaffirmations of support, coupled with the visual representations of Morocco's territorial claims, send a clear message to Algeria and its separatist allies that Washington remains committed to its stance on Sahara.

This ongoing saga underscores the complex interplay of regional politics, international diplomacy, and territorial disputes in North Africa. As the US continues to back Morocco's position, the path to a resolution in Sahara remains uncertain, with implications for regional stability and international relations in the years to come.