In a significant development in foreign relations, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, has recognised Western Sahara within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty.

The Moroccan news agency, MAP, reports that Mr Macron gave this indication in a message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Throne Day.

Mr Macron, according to the message, considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

Details of the message, MAP said, were made available by the Royal Office in a statement on Tuesday.

A dispute dating back to 1975 pits Morocco, which considers Western Sahara its territory, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state there.

As the former colonial power in the region, France has walked a diplomatic tightrope between Rabat and Algiers on the issue.

Most of France’s Western allies have already backed Morocco’s plan.

The French president reaffirmed “the unwavering stance of France on this issue of national security for the Kingdom.”

He declared that his country “intends to act in line with this position nationally and internationally. For France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue shall be resolved. Our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and unwavering.”

Mr Macron added that the plan “constitutes now the only basis to achieve a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution through United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

“Today, an increasingly broad international consensus is emerging,” the French president said further.

“France fully plays its part in all relevant forums. It is time to move forward. I therefore encourage all parties to come together for a political settlement, which is within reach,” Mr Macron added.

Commending Morocco’s efforts to promote the economic and social development of the Moroccan Sahara, the French president committed to ensuring that “France will support Morocco in this endeavour for the benefit of the local populations.”

This announcement from France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, marks a significant step in supporting Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. 

(MAP/NAN)