Trump reinforces endorsement for Moroccan jurisdiction over the Sahara; endorses autonomous proposal of Morocco again
The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, remains a contested territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front. Despite this, significant Western powers are increasingly aligning with Morocco's proposal for autonomy in the region.
In a significant development, the United States firmly recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco's autonomy plan as the only viable solution to the conflict. This position, initially declared during Donald Trump's first term, has been reaffirmed during his second term and remains official US policy.
In 2025, the United Kingdom joined the United States and France in endorsing Morocco's plan for limited autonomy, marking an unprecedented alignment within the UN Security Council. This consensus reflects a shift from the previous divided Western positions, with Spain having recognized Morocco’s autonomy plan as serious and credible since 2022 and France formally endorsing it in 2024.
Countries like Germany, Belgium, and Israel have also backed Morocco's proposal. The autonomy plan was first presented by Morocco to the UN in 2007 as a solution for the Western Sahara.
However, Algeria and the Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state and is backed by Algeria, continue to contest Moroccan control and reject the autonomy plan, insisting on a referendum that includes independence as an option. Algeria has also refused to participate in UN-led roundtables.
No other country except the US and Israel recognizes Morocco’s unilateral annexation legally, though many acknowledge Morocco’s de facto control of the territory. The UN does not officially recognize Moroccan sovereignty or Sahrawi sovereignty, maintaining a neutral stance while facilitating talks.
In his letter to King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the occasion of King Mohammed VI's Throne Day, Trump emphasized that the autonomy proposal is the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute in Western Sahara. Trump also mentioned building on the Abraham Accords, combating terrorism, and expanding commercial cooperation as common priorities for peace and security in the region.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump and King Mohammed VI are working together to advance common priorities for peace and security in the region. However, the conflict remains unresolved due to persistent Algerian and Polisario opposition and the absence of a finalized UN-endorsed settlement.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. Al Jazeera 3. Reuters 4. White House Press Release
States and politics continue to influence the complex Western Sahara conflict, with policy-and-legislation shifts witnessed among Western powers. The United States, United Kingdom, France, and others have endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan, marking a consensus in the UN Security Council and General News outlets.
