In recent developments, it has come to light that other Western powers are also leaning towards supporting Morocco in its efforts to gain administrative control over Western Sahara. Following in the footsteps of France, the United Kingdom has now thrown its support behind Morocco, advocating for limited autonomy for the region under Moroccan authority.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, expressed that this approach was the most credible and pragmatic way to resolve the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara. This move by the UK aligns with France’s stance on the matter, further deepening the divide between Algeria and the Western European nations.
In a significant declaration in July 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Morocco’s 2007 proposal for limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty was the only feasible solution to the conflict. This statement further solidified France’s support for Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara.
The UK’s endorsement of Morocco’s plans for Western Sahara signals a shift in its foreign policy towards strengthening ties with the Moroccan monarchy. This strategic move is aimed at resolving the decades-old dispute in the region, which has been a source of conflict since Morocco’s invasion in 1975.
The Western Sahara conflict has been marked by sporadic skirmishes with the Polisario Front, resulting in thousands of casualties over the years. The breakdown of a three-decade truce in late 2020 heightened tensions in the region, leading to increased international involvement in the dispute.
France’s alignment with Morocco against Algeria in the Western Sahara sovereignty issue has strained its relationship with its North African neighbor. Algeria’s sharp response to France’s decision, including the withdrawal of its ambassador, has escalated tensions between the two countries.
The deteriorating relationship between France and Algeria has been further exacerbated by a series of arrests, expulsions, and public disagreements. The complex history, intertwined economies, and migration patterns between the two countries have contributed to the fragile nature of their relationship.
Overall, the support of Western powers like France and the UK for Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara has intensified the dispute in the region. As diplomatic tensions continue to rise, finding a lasting resolution to the conflict remains a pressing challenge for all parties involved.
