Trump backs Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara

US President Donald Trump reaffirms Washington’s backing for Rabat’s autonomy plan

In a formal message addressed to King Mohammed VI, US President Donald Trump has once again confirmed Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The president also reiterated his support for the autonomy proposal put forward by Rabat, describing it as “the only serious, realistic solution capable of bringing a just and lasting end to the decades-long conflict.”

Trump emphasized that maintaining the current status quo is “unacceptable,” arguing that a resolution would “drive regional prosperity and strengthen economic integration across Africa.” He stressed the urgency of reaching a settlement, pledging continued US efforts to facilitate negotiations.

The diplomatic rapprochement between Morocco and the United States dates back to December 2020. During the final weeks of his first term, Trump announced Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of a broader agreement that included Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel, enabling Rabat to join the Abraham Accords.

Morocco’s strategic importance in regional security

The White House has consistently highlighted Morocco’s pivotal role in regional security. Washington views the North African kingdom as a key partner in combating terrorism and addressing international security challenges. Trump praised what he described as “visionary leadership” by King Mohammed VI in fostering regional peace.

“Morocco’s commitment to fighting extremism and ensuring the safety of both its people and Americans demonstrates the strength of the strategic partnership between our two nations,” the US president stated.

In response, Trump announced plans to deepen operational cooperation between the US and Morocco in Northwest Africa. He underscored joint efforts to enhance security across the Sahel region.

Origins of the Western Sahara conflict

The Western Sahara dispute remains one of North Africa’s most enduring diplomatic flashpoints. The territory, rich in phosphate and marine resources, is at the heart of a long-standing feud between Morocco and Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s demand for an independent state.

Morocco has proposed an autonomy plan that grants significant self-governance to Western Sahara while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty. The Polisario Front, on the other hand, insists on a referendum allowing the local population to determine the territory’s future.

The conflict traces its roots to 1975, when Spain ended its 90-year administration of the region, then known as “Spanish Sahara.” Tensions escalated into war between Morocco and the Polisario Front until a UN-brokered ceasefire was declared in 1991.

Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its territory, citing historical ties between Sahrawi tribes and the Alaouite monarchy. Algeria, however, backs the Polisario Front, which proclaimed the “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” in 1976 and advocates for self-determination and decolonization.

Last year, on the 50th anniversary of the Green March—a 1975 civilian march into Spanish-administered Western Sahara—the UN Security Council adopted a resolution recognizing Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the most serious basis” for resolving the conflict. The resolution, adopted unanimously, called on parties to resume talks based on the proposal submitted by Morocco to the UN in 2007.

The resolution described the plan as “the most realistic solution” and the “cornerstone” for future negotiations aimed at ending a nearly half-century-old conflict.

King Mohammed VI marked the occasion by declaring that Morocco was entering “a decisive phase in its contemporary history,” adding: “The time of a unified Morocco has come.”