Rabat, Morocco – King Mohammed VI has made headlines with his latest address, reinforcing Morocco's unwavering position on the contentious issue of Western Sahara. This annual speech, delivered to lawmakers, portrays the king's steadfast commitment to securing sovereignty over the territory, which remains one of the most sensitive subjects within the kingdom. Acknowledging diplomatic gains, the king expressed gratitude particularly to allies such as the United States, Spain, and France, all of whom have shown support for Morocco's autonomy plan.
During his address, the king emphasized the importance this conflict holds not just for Morocco’s identity but its foreign policy as well. He pointed out how the backing from global powers reflects progress toward what he described as the resolution of the decades-long conflict. “So it is,” he declared, “that the French Republic supports Morocco’s sovereignty over the entire Sahara territory,” highlighting his appreciation for the recent endorsement by French President Emmanuel Macron.
This relationship with France has grown markedly warmer, especially following France's shift in policy earlier this year. Morocco's call for Macron to visit signifies the strengthening ties and the ever-evolving political alliance. Yet, the situation remains delicate, as Morocco's push for international recognition of its claims risks alienation from Algeria, which also plays a significant role as both a key player and supporter of the pro-independence Polisario Front.
Western Sahara, once under Spanish colonial rule, has become central to regional politics since the mid-1970s. It is labeled by the United Nations as one of Africa's last “non-self-governing territories.” The rise of the Polisario Front has introduced an added layer of complexity, as the group seeks independence for the Sahrawi people and has been acknowledged as their legitimate representative by the UN since 1979.
Currently, most of the territory is under Moroccan control, with the Polisario operating from refugee camps located across the border in Algeria, where they receive both financial and political support. Following the cease-fire brokered by the UN back in 1991, various efforts have been made to resolve this conflict, but discussions have been sluggish and stalled for numerous years.
Morocco finds itself walking a tightrope as it seeks recognition and support from its international partners, all the meanwhile facing legal challenges from the Polisario Front. Recently, the group has pursued litigation to contest Morocco’s territorial claims, finding some success as seen with the European Court of Justice’s recent ruling. This ruling invalidated fishing and agricultural agreements between Morocco and the European Union. The court concluded these agreements were flawed, as they failed to account for the rights of the inhabitants of Western Sahara.
This legal development has added yet another dimension to the dispute, creating tensions not just between Morocco and the Polisario but also between Morocco and its European allies. Countries such as Spain and France, who have traditionally been supporters of Morocco’s sovereignty claims, may now find themselves caught between satisfying their economic interests and addressing the concerns raised by the court.
With the growing influence of Morocco among its allies, particularly those from the Middle East and Africa, the kingdom has ambitions to bolster its regional standing. King Mohammed VI expressed this vision through infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Morocco's strategic capability on the African continent, such as the development of a territory-spanning highway and new port facilities which could facilitate trade routes extending from Africa's Atlantic coast.
During this significant address, the Moroccan king also delicately maneuvered discussion surrounding the sentiments of its African partners, noting they regard Western Sahara as integral to broader continental initiatives, which include major projects like the proposed pipeline linking Nigeria with European energy markets.
King Mohammed VI insisted on clarifying the underlying historical truths to those few nations still skeptical about Morocco’s claims. He remarked, “The fundamentals of Morocco’s position need to be explained to the small number of countries.” This indicates the challenges Morocco faces as it strives to present its narrative against prevailing international skepticism.
This annual session, marked as one of the rare occasions where King Mohammed VI delivers public remarks, brought together prominent figures including his brother, Prince Moulay Rachid, and his heir apparent, Prince Moulay Hassan. The speech highlighted the unity of Morocco's royal family as they navigate through these complex geopolitical waters.
Over recent months, the king took time out from state affairs, spending his summer at a palace located in the northern city of Tetouan. This respite included meetings with various officials, including notable figures such as the country’s central bank governor and Olympic gold medalist Soufiane El Bakkali. Standing firmly behind the throne's commitment to resolving the Western Sahara dispute, this speech may signal Morocco’s determination as the geopolitical chess pieces continue to shift around its claims.
While the future of Western Sahara remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Morocco's leadership, under King Mohammed VI, will continue to assert its claims and seek international backing, aiming to solidify its stance within the complex fabric of North African politics.
