Moroccan Sahara, an issue of regional and international stability

Sunday 24th November 2024 01:57 PM

The Moroccan Sahara is much more than a territorial dispute. Today it constitutes a strategic issue for the stability of North Africa and for the balance of international relations. While the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco stands out as a pragmatic and realistic solution, diplomatic progress confirms the merits of this vision. However, the status quo, maintained by outdated agendas, continues to jeopardize the future of a region rich in potential, but held back by paralyzing rivalries.

Consolidated international recognition

Moroccan diplomacy has accumulated notable successes, strengthening the legitimacy of its position on the Sahara. After the historic recognition of the United States in December 2020, the openings of consulates in Laâyoune and Dakhla by many countries reflected growing support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara. Added to this is a significant milestone: the speech by French President Emmanuel Macron to Moroccan deputies, clearly affirming the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. This gesture, loaded with significance, reaffirms France’s alignment with a sustainable solution and confirms its role as a strategic partner of Rabat.

At the same time, many states are revising or abandoning their support for the pseudo-“SADR”, further isolating this artificial entity. These developments are not only diplomatic successes for Morocco, but also a strong signal against attempts to destabilize the region.

A costly North African impasse

Despite these advances, the resolution of the conflict remains hampered by the intransigence of Algeria, the main support for separatism. This blockage not only slows down the political solution, but also compromises Maghreb integration. The project of an Arab Maghreb Union, although essential to respond to economic and social challenges, remains at a standstill. In addition, tensions are putting pressure on neighboring countries like Mauritania and Tunisia, reinforcing the fragmentation of a region that could become a key player on the international scene.

The economic and security weight of the conflict

The consequences of this conflict go beyond the diplomatic framework. Morocco and Algeria are bogged down in a ruinous arms race, diverting essential resources from strategic priorities such as sustainable development and the fight against inequality. Worse still, this rivalry fuels unstable geopolitical alliances, aggravating fragilities in a Sahelo-Saharan zone already exposed to terrorism, cross-border trafficking and humanitarian crises.

The status quo is not just a political impasse: it constitutes a risk factor for the security and prosperity of the entire region.

A Moroccan solution for lasting peace

The Moroccan autonomy initiative, hailed by the international community, offers a realistic solution that respects local aspirations. By proposing a balanced governance framework, it would make it possible to turn the page on an artificial conflict while preserving the territorial integrity of the Kingdom. For this, a sincere commitment from regional actors, particularly from Algeria, is essential. Overcoming the logic of confrontation is a sine qua non condition for building a united, resilient and prosperous Maghreb.

Transform conflict into opportunity

The growing recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is not just a diplomatic victory: it charts a path towards shared stability. The international community, like France and the United States, must continue to support this dynamic. Because beyond the issues of sovereignty, it is the future of an entire region that is at stake. Resolving the question of the Moroccan Sahara means laying the foundations for an integrated Maghreb, capable of meeting global and to establish itself as a center of stability and development.

The time has come to transform tensions into cooperation, and to make the Moroccan Sahara not a fault line, but a lever for the future.