The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has stirred discussions by publishing a map of Morocco that includes Western Sahara, a territory long contested by the Moroccan government and the Polisario Front. This decision, highlighted in various publications by AEMET, marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between Spain and Morocco, particularly in the context of the latter's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara.
In its communications across social media and its official website, AEMET has shown a map of Morocco that encompasses the so-called southern provinces, which Morocco claims as its own. This move is interpreted as a further indication of Spain's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, which is viewed by the Spanish government as the most credible and realistic option to resolve a dispute that has persisted for nearly five decades since the end of Spanish colonial rule.
Morocco's proposal advocates for broad autonomy under its sovereignty for Western Sahara, while respecting United Nations resolutions. The initiative has garnered substantial international backing, with notable endorsements from countries such as the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, and Spain. This contrasts sharply with the stance of the Polisario Front, which calls for a referendum on independence for the Saharawi people—a proposal that has not received the same level of support on the global stage.
The significance of Western Sahara to Morocco cannot be overstated; it is viewed as integral to the nation's territorial integrity. As such, the backing of Spain, a neighboring country and former colonial power, is crucial. The Spanish government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has already expressed its endorsement of Morocco's autonomy proposal through a formal letter to King Mohammed VI, recognizing it as the most feasible solution to the Saharawi conflict.
This diplomatic gesture has led to a strengthening of relations between the two nations. A notable instance of this was a summit held in Rabat in April 2022, where Sánchez and King Mohammed VI discussed a roadmap for future cooperation. The summit culminated in a High Level Meeting (HLM) led by Sánchez and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in February 2023, resulting in multiple strategic agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration across various sectors.
Recently, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, emphasized the positive atmosphere of cooperation between Spain and Morocco, describing it as the best climate of cooperation ever achieved. He further characterized the prolonged stalemate concerning Western Sahara as 'senseless' and urged for a negotiated resolution to prevent the ongoing deadlock from extending into another decade.
On March 11, 2025, AEMET tweeted about the expected weather conditions for the upcoming months, forecasting a high probability (between 60-70%) of warmer-than-normal temperatures across Spain during April, May, and June. This prediction is particularly pronounced in coastal and archipelagic regions, where the likelihood exceeds 70%. The inclusion of Western Sahara in AEMET's maps coincides with this weather forecast, drawing attention to the agency's broader role in shaping public perceptions of territorial claims.
The maps published by AEMET depict Western Sahara as an integral part of Morocco, without any visible borders separating the two regions. This representation is part of Morocco's ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty and rectify what it perceives as historical distortions in international cartography. By showcasing its full geography, Morocco aims to reinforce its claim over the southern provinces and advocate for international recognition of its territorial integrity.
As Morocco continues to seek broader acknowledgment of its sovereignty, the visual representation of its territory in official maps carries significant diplomatic weight. In recent years, the Moroccan government has seen increasing support for its autonomy plan, with various countries recognizing the potential for a practical and stable resolution to the longstanding conflict.
However, debates within Spanish media and civil society often reflect outdated or politically charged perspectives that either exclude or misrepresent the region. Despite Morocco's effective governance and development efforts in Western Sahara, these discussions sometimes fail to align with the realities on the ground.
The implications of AEMET's decision extend beyond mere cartography; they signal a broader shift in how Spain and Morocco engage with each other on sensitive territorial issues. As the two nations navigate this complex landscape, the international community will be watching closely to see how this evolving relationship influences the future of Western Sahara.
In summary, AEMET's publication of a map including Western Sahara as part of Morocco signifies a pivotal moment in Spanish-Moroccan relations, reflecting Spain's support for Morocco's autonomy initiative. As both countries work towards a resolution of the Saharawi dispute, the stakes remain high, and the outcome will likely have lasting implications for regional stability and diplomatic dynamics.
