During an exclusive interview given to the Internationales program on TV5 Monde, Samira Sitaïl, Moroccan ambassador to France, provided an analysis of Franco-Moroccan relations, which are currently undergoing rapid change. At the heart of this exchange: the official recognition by France of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. A decision described by the ambassador as “restoring the truth” and “duty of justice”.
Saturday November 16, 2025, Samira Sitaïl recalled that France has never opposed Moroccan sovereignty over its Saharan provinces. “The French position has always been clear, particularly since the presentation of the Moroccan autonomy plan in 2007. This recognition is not a reversal, but rather the formalization of historic support,” she declared.
For the ambassador, President Emmanuel Macron’s statement demonstrates a desire to consolidate an exceptional partnership between the two nations. During his state visit to Morocco last October, the French head of state affirmed, in a letter addressed to King Mohammed VI, that the French position was “respectful of historical realities and turned towards the future”.
Asked about the scope of this recognition, Samira Sitaïl made it clear that “it is not a gift”. “It is above all the decision of a French head of state to re-establish a historical truth and to take a just position in the face of a prolonged conflict,” she added.
She also stressed that this recognition marks a decisive step in the Franco-Moroccan relationship, without aiming to offend other international partners. “This position is not hostile to anyone,” Emmanuel Macron assured the Moroccan Parliament, affirming that the Sahara constitutes a central element of Moroccan sovereignty.
The implications of this recognition go beyond diplomatic dimensions. This week, Christophe Lecourtier, French ambassador to Morocco, visited the southern provinces, calling these territories a “new horizon for France’s strategic actions”.
During his trip, Mr. Lecourtier highlighted the economic potential of the region, particularly in the areas of renewable energies, infrastructure and trade. “The development of the southern provinces represents a unique opportunity to strengthen economic partnerships between our two countries,” he said.
The French diplomat also spoke of emerging projects that could quickly see the light of day, emphasizing France’s desire to be actively involved in this dynamic. “Our common ambitions aim to transform this region into an engine of cooperation and shared prosperity,” he added.
A promising future for a renewed partnership
French recognition takes place in a context marked by an increased desire to strengthen bilateral ties in various strategic areas. In addition to economic cooperation, the Franco-Moroccan partnership is expanding in sectors such as education, research, security and energy transition.
For Samira Sitaïl, this decision by Paris opens a new era. “The Moroccan Sahara is not only a question of sovereignty, but also a lever for regional development and a symbol of national unity,” she said.
This recognition, the result of an ongoing diplomatic dialogue, reflects not only a shared vision but also a common commitment to stability and prosperity within the Euro-Mediterranean region.
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