Clearly responding to the question asked by africapresse.paris on Morocco’s legitimacy regarding the Sahara, Julian Harston explains that the Sahara’s belonging to Morocco is incontestable since it is based on historical and cultural facts. “The Sahara is part of Morocco, it is ancestral and a historical fact,” he insists, emphasizing the importance of international recognition in this process.
As an informed observer, the former deputy secretary general of the UN welcomes the diplomatic and economic progress of the Kingdom, which has allowed many countries to recognize this sovereignty.
It also underlines the growing role of Morocco in Africa, driven by the vision of King Mohammed VI. The southern provinces, such as Laâyoune and Dakhla, are experiencing rapid transformation thanks to massive investments, he notes. “By choosing Africa, Morocco has become a leading country on the Continent,” notes Harston, who sees this strategy as a source of inspiration for other African nations.
**The only future for Western Sahara is the autonomy recommended by His Majesty Mohammed VI.**
The British diplomat describes President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara as a “historic moment”. This gesture, accompanied by the announcement of the opening of a French consulate in Laâyoune or Dakhla, marks a crucial step in the consolidation of Franco-Moroccan relations. “The only future for Western Sahara is the autonomy recommended by His Majesty Mohammed VI,” says Harston.
This French position could inspire other powers, such as its country, the United Kingdom. Harston expresses his hope that London will follow this path in the near future, despite challenges related to its internal political priorities. “In life, you must know how to choose according to your interests and the higher interests of the Nation,” he recommends, referring to the last speech of King Mohammed VI of the Green March, emphasizing the importance of decisions clear in complex international contexts.
**In life, you must know how to choose according to your interests and the higher interests of the Nation.**
Macron’s state visit to Morocco also paved the way for strengthened economic partnerships. Accompanied by a delegation of business leaders, the French president relaunched bilateral economic cooperation, ending a period of tense relations. For Harston, this visit reflects a newfound confidence essential not only for Morocco and France, but also for Europe.
“Africa is today more important for Europe than Europe is for Africa,” he declares, recalling the strategic importance of the continent for the global economic future.
**The Sahara is part of Morocco, it is ancestral and a historical fact.**
The veteran diplomat praises the new approach to Moroccan diplomacy, which he describes as “effective and proactive.” According to him, this transformation has not only strengthened the Kingdom’s position on the international scene, but also changed the perception of its partners.
“The vision we have of Morocco has changed, not only in Africa, but on the international scene,” he concludes, expressing his optimism for the future of the Kingdom.
Full interview: Julian HARSTON, former deputy SG of the UN: “France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is a historic moment”
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