Sahara: France supports Morocco’s plan, Algeria recalls ambassador to Paris

Posted on July 30, 2024

Lecture: 3 minutes.

this France On July 30, Morocco took an important step towards Rabat, reinforcing its support for the Moroccan plan. Western Sahara It is now considered the “only basis” for resolving the conflict with the Polisario separatists, which is almost 50 years old. This gesture was condemned last week by Algiers, which supports the Sahrawi separatists. expected Morocco considers Sahara issue as a “national cause”, affecting its relations with France The temperature has dropped significantly in recent years.

The Moroccan Royal Cabinet welcomed the “important developments in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara”. French President Emmanuel Macron in a letter to King Mohammed VI Birthday When he ascended the throne 25 years ago, he said he considered “the present and future of Western Sahara to be part of the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”. “For France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework for resolving this issue. Our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and continuous,” he added.

In this letter, we consult parity Young AfricaHe affirmed that the Moroccan plan “now constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions”.

Towards autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty

Western Sahara is a former Spanish colony that is largely controlled by Morocco, which is proposing an autonomy plan under its jurisdiction sovereignty – but claimed by Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, who demanded a self-determination referendum during a 1991 ceasefire but which was never organized. “The continued economic and social development of the region is imperative. I welcome all Morocco’s efforts in this regard. France will support him in this process for the benefit of the local population,” he wrote again. this President of France.

“This statement by the permanent member of the Security Council, the French Republic United Nations Security CouncilThe Royal Cabinet said in a press release that this was an important development in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and confirmed that it was “part of the drive promoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI”. of Donald Trump reclaimed sovereignty over the territory in late 2020 in return for reconciliation with Israel, and Morocco has since deployed offensive diplomacy to rally other countries behind its position.

Algeria criticizes ‘untimely and counterproductive decision’

In 2022, Spain, the former colonial power of Western Sahara, made an about-face, abandoned its neutrality on the issue and considered Morocco’s initiative “foundational.” this more serious, realistic and credible resolution of the dispute”, thus raising tensions with Rabat.

Algeria expressed its “disapproval” last Thursday Paris was faced with an “unexpected decision” on the issue. Algiers said it had been informed of it a few days ago and severely criticized the “untimely and counterproductive decision” that “does not help create conditions for reaching an agreement.” Regulation The document is “peaceful”. The Algerian Foreign Ministry threatened that Algeria “will bear all the consequences of this French decision” and that the French government “bears full and complete responsibility”.

Is the planned visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Paris in late September or early October in doubt? No, assertion A French source with knowledge of the matter said that Algeria remains a “strategic partner” and cooperation continues “within the framework established by the two heads of state since the visit of President Macron in August 2022”. However, the Algerian government announced on July 30 the “immediate withdrawal” of its ambassador to Paris, a sign of great tension. explain Musi.

(AFP report)