Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, announced on Monday from Laâyoune that France will open a consulate in the Moroccan Sahara. A statement that reinforces Paris’ position on the Moroccanness of the Sahara.
France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara does not benefit French companies. While they are losing ground, Israeli, Chinese, Spanish and South Korean companies are winning major contracts.
The French recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is already benefiting Moroccan companies.
France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is not without interest. What would France gain?
Ahmed Noureddine, an expert in international relations and a specialist in Saharan issues, insists on the need to ensure a legal impact of the French recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
While Algeria criticizes France for its decision to recognize the Moroccanness of the Sahara, and Morocco, Paris and Rabat have chosen to ignore the Algerian authorities.
The spokesperson for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, reaffirmed Washington’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara, which is considered "realistic" and "credible".
The Sahara issue risks exacerbating tensions between Morocco and Algeria, an ally of the Polisario. The two countries have not had diplomatic relations since 2021.
The French ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, announced "new developments" regarding his country’s position on the Sahara, reiterating France’s "historic" support for Morocco in this conflict.
The Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (UN), Nicolas de Rivière, expressed on Monday in New York, during the meeting of the Security Council, his country’s support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara.
The Sumar party will challenge Pedro Sanchez’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, if it participates in the coalition government.
Relations between France and Morocco have been tense for various reasons, including the Pegasus affair and visas. But the real bone of contention between the two countries remains the Sahara. Morocco is awaiting a clear position from Paris on this sensitive issue and will not compromise.