John bolton's continued campaign against morocco's sovereignty

Saturday 31 May 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

John bolton's continued campaign against morocco's sovereignty

John Bolton, formerly the national security adviser under Donald Trump, persists in his campaign against Morocco’s territorial integrity, advocating for outdated referendum claims supported by Algeria. In a recent opinion piece published in the Washington Times, Bolton called upon the United States to back these claims, which challenge Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces.

Bolton's latest plea is likely to resonate with few. For decades, Algeria has utilized the Polisario Front—a separatist group based in Tindouf camps on Algerian soil—to further its interests against Morocco, primarily through calls for a referendum and self-determination. While Bolton criticized Morocco’s robust ties with the West as detrimental to the Sahrawi people, he suggested that Algeria is shifting alliances, highlighted by a recent military cooperation agreement with the United States.

Despite Bolton’s claims, recent developments indicate a waning support for separatist movements in southern Morocco. Several U.S. officials have reiterated their commitment to Morocco's sovereignty, a stance solidified during the Trump administration's unequivocal support in December 2020. In April, the U.S. reinforced this position, affirming that its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty remains steadfast.

The State Department, following discussions between Senator Marco Rubio and Moroccan officials, reiterated support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the sole viable solution to the Sahara dispute. This comes as the autonomy initiative gains traction, with over 113 countries, including former supporters of the Polisario, recognizing it as a legitimate path forward.

Yet, Bolton continues to advocate for Sahrawi separatism, ignoring the growing momentum behind Moroccan autonomy. His recent criticisms brushed aside the alarming use of terrorist tactics by the Polisario, which many observers have condemned. Bolton labeled these criticisms as a propaganda effort against Sahrawi liberation, suggesting that claims of Polisario's ties to Iran are baseless distractions.

Reports, including those from the Washington Post, have revealed troubling connections between the Polisario and Hezbollah, indicating a training partnership that poses significant regional security risks. Algeria's involvement in regional destabilization has also come under scrutiny, with neighboring countries like Mali voicing concerns over Algerian military actions near their borders.

Despite the mounting evidence of the Polisario’s detrimental impact on regional stability, Bolton remains entrenched in his ideology. He disregards extensive documentation of the group’s violent activities and the urgent calls for a political resolution from those affected. By asserting that Sahara should revert to its 1991 status, Bolton prioritizes his narrative over the complex realities faced by those in the region.