Introduction

The recent reiteration of France's support for Morocco's sovereignty claim over Western Sahara has reignited discussions about the future of this disputed territory. Western Sahara, a region rich in resources like fishing waters and phosphates, has long been a point of contention between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which is backed by Algeria. France's official endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan has significant implications for the geopolitical landscape in North Africa and could also affect France's relations with both Morocco and Algeria. This article will explore the details of France's backing, Algeria's response, and the broader ramifications for regional stability.

Background on Western Sahara

Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, has been under Moroccan control since Spain withdrew in 1975. The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi independence movement, has consistently challenged this control, seeking international recognition for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The 1975-1991 war between Morocco and the Polisario Front ended in a ceasefire, with Morocco in control of 80% of the territory and a promise of a self-determination referendum under the auspices of the United Nations that has yet to be realized. In 2020, hostilities resumed, with both sides trading artillery and drone strikes across the fortified sand wall, known as the berm, that Morocco built to secure the territory【16†source】.

France's Position and Its Evolution

France has historically supported Morocco's autonomy plan, which proposes giving Western Sahara a degree of self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty. However, France had been careful not to explicitly validate Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, respecting the UN's designation of Western Sahara as a "non-autonomous territory." Recently, however, France has taken a clearer stance, endorsing the autonomy plan as the "sole basis for settlement" of the conflict. In a letter to King Mohammed VI, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that "the present and future of Western Sahara are part of Moroccan sovereignty," signaling a significant shift in France's approach to the issue【16†source】.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne’s recent visit to Rabat further cemented this stance, as he expressed support for Moroccan investments in Western Sahara. This move marks a notable turning point in France's foreign policy, indicating a shift towards unequivocal support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed region. Such a stance is likely aimed at strengthening France's ties with Morocco after a period of strained relations between 2021 and 2023, partly due to visa restrictions and reconciliation attempts with Algeria【16†source】.

Algeria's Response and Diplomatic Fallout

Algeria, which has long backed the Polisario Front, responded strongly to France's endorsement of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Algerian government announced the immediate withdrawal of its ambassador to France, criticizing France for "flouting international legality" and supporting what it described as the "colonial fact imposed on Western Sahara." This move has strained already fragile relations between France and Algeria, which had cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021 due to the Western Sahara issue【16†source】【17†source】.

The Algerian government also accused France of taking a position that disregards the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. Algeria's withdrawal of its ambassador is likely to further complicate diplomatic relations between Paris and Algiers, potentially impacting other areas of cooperation, including trade and security. Algeria, which hosts around 176,000 Sahrawi refugees in camps, has also criticized France for undermining UN efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Regional Implications

The implications of France's endorsement are far-reaching, not just for Morocco and Algeria but for the broader North African region. Morocco has long sought international recognition for its claim over Western Sahara, and France's backing is a significant diplomatic victory for Rabat. This move is likely to bolster Morocco's position in international forums and could encourage other countries to adopt a similar stance, especially given France's influence in the European Union and beyond【16†source】.

For Algeria, France's position represents a significant diplomatic setback. Algeria has positioned itself as a staunch supporter of the Sahrawi cause and has used the Western Sahara issue to bolster its regional influence. The withdrawal of Algeria's ambassador from France is a clear indication of the severity with which Algeria views this shift in French policy. The situation also risks escalating tensions between Morocco and Algeria, who have already had strained relations, with both countries closing their borders and severing diplomatic ties over the Western Sahara dispute.

Economic and Social Development in Western Sahara

France's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan also includes support for economic and social development in Western Sahara. French leaders have praised Morocco's efforts to invest in infrastructure and improve living conditions in the region. These investments are seen as a way to strengthen Moroccan control over Western Sahara and to win over the local population by providing economic opportunities and improved services【16†source】.

Morocco has heavily invested in developing Western Sahara, building roads, ports, and other infrastructure to integrate the region into the broader Moroccan economy. These projects are aimed at not only consolidating Moroccan control but also at attracting foreign investment to the region. France's support for these investments is likely to encourage other European countries to follow suit, further legitimizing Morocco's claim to the territory.

Impact on France’s Relations with North Africa

France's decision to back Morocco's claim over Western Sahara could have broader implications for its relations with other North African countries. While Morocco is likely to welcome this support, Algeria's reaction suggests that France may face challenges in maintaining a balanced relationship with both nations. The move could also impact France's influence in the region, as Algeria is a key player in North African geopolitics and has significant influence over the Sahrawi issue.

Moreover, France's position could affect its standing within the European Union, where member states have differing views on Western Sahara. Spain, for example, has historically supported the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, although recent Spanish governments have also shown signs of aligning with Morocco's position. France's stance could therefore create divisions within the EU regarding the best approach to the Western Sahara conflict.

Conclusion

France's recent reiteration of support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara marks a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape of North Africa. This move has not only strengthened Morocco's claim to the disputed territory but has also exacerbated tensions with Algeria, which has long supported the Sahrawi independence movement. The broader implications of this shift are likely to be felt across the region, impacting everything from diplomatic relations to economic investments and regional stability.

As Morocco continues to push for international recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara, the backing of a major power like France will undoubtedly play a crucial role. However, the potential for increased tensions with Algeria and the broader geopolitical implications mean that the situation remains complex and fluid. It will be important to monitor how other international actors respond and whether this endorsement leads to a breakthrough in the long-standing conflict or further entrenches the existing divisions.