Macron Backs Morocco's Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed France's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region during a speech to the Moroccan parliament on Tuesday. This statement reaffirms France's position since the decision made in July aimed at enhancing relations between the two countries.
Relations between France and Morocco have been strained over the past three years, particularly following France's decision in 2021 to significantly reduce visa issuance to Moroccan citizens in an effort to control migration from North African countries.
By aligning with Morocco on Western Sahara, France seeks to ensure Moroccan cooperation on migration issues, which are of critical importance to other European countries, and potentially secure lucrative contracts for French companies.
Macron's speech received strong approval from Moroccan lawmakers and was met with a standing ovation following his statement that "for France, the present and future of this region is under Morocco's sovereignty." He emphasized that France's position would be defended in international organizations to support Morocco, clarifying that this stance is not against any country, implicitly referencing Algeria's view of Morocco's claim over Western Sahara as an occupation.
Touching on the colonial history between France and Morocco, Macron acknowledged the darker aspects of their past, including the unequal treaties and the colonial ambitions that led to Morocco falling under a protectorate. He specifically mentioned the Treaty of Fez, which marked the beginning of French rule in Morocco.
On the issue of migration, Macron highlighted the importance of mutual trust and the need for tangible results, acknowledging the high expectations of the French public regarding this matter.
Additionally, he lightened the atmosphere by discussing football, which has fostered friendly competition between the countries. He humorously noted that Moroccan players are in high demand in French championships and mentioned that they have succeeded in uniting fans of rival teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille.
The French President's visit and statements mark a significant moment in France-Morocco relations, with potential implications for the positioning of both countries in international diplomacy and domestic politics.