The diplomatic landscape surrounding the contentious Western Sahara dispute recently saw a significant reaffirmation, as former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory. This declaration underscores the enduring American commitment to Rabat’s proposed autonomy plan, positing it as the only viable pathway towards a lasting resolution for the disputed region.
This renewed endorsement echoes Trump’s initial, landmark recognition of Moroccan claims to Western Sahara during the final days of his first term in office. That pivotal decision was part of a broader diplomatic arrangement, facilitating Morocco’s agreement to normalize its diplomatic relations with Israel, a move that reshaped regional alliances.
Western Sahara, a territory rich in phosphate reserves and boasting abundant fishing grounds, remains a critical geopolitical flashpoint. Its status has been a subject of international debate for decades, with various parties vying for influence and control over its strategic resources and coastline.
While former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had previously clarified in April that U.S. support for Morocco on this issue remained a consistent foreign policy stance, these latest remarks from Donald Trump are notable for being his first direct quoted statements on the dispute since the conclusion of his initial presidency.
In a message conveyed to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Trump explicitly stated, “I also reiterate that the United States recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco’s serious, credible and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute.” This direct quote reinforces the strength of the U.S. position, highlighting the core of the Donald Trump policy.
The international community has also seen shifts in stance regarding the Western Sahara. Notably, in June of the current year, Britain joined the United States and France as the third permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to publicly back an autonomy plan for the territory under Moroccan sovereignty.
Conversely, Algeria, a key regional player and a staunch supporter of the self-declared Sahrawi Republic, continues to oppose the autonomy framework. Algiers has consistently refused to participate in U.N. envoy-convened roundtables on Western Sahara, instead advocating for a referendum that includes independence as a direct option for the territory’s future, further complicating the North Africa conflict.
The ongoing impasse highlights the complex interplay of historical claims, economic interests, and regional power dynamics that define the Western Sahara conflict. The divergent approaches from key international and regional actors underscore the challenges in forging a consensus-based resolution, shaping the broader international relations landscape.
