French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed his support for Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region, a long-standing dispute that has divided the international community. During a speech to the Moroccan parliament on a state visit, Macron pledged French investment in the territory, which is largely controlled by Morocco but is also claimed by the Sahrawi people.
Macron stated that French companies will contribute to the development of Western Sahara, asserting that the region’s present and future belong under Moroccan sovereignty. This announcement comes as a significant boost for Morocco, which has faced challenges in asserting its control over the disputed territory.
The Western Sahara conflict dates back to the mid-20th century when both Morocco and the indigenous Sahrawi population laid claim to the region. A ceasefire was agreed upon in 1991, but a resolution to the conflict has remained elusive ever since. The United Nations has called for a referendum to determine the fate of Western Sahara, but progress towards holding such a vote has been slow.
Macron’s pledge of support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is likely to be met with mixed reactions from the international community. While Morocco sees Macron’s statement as a validation of its territorial claims, supporters of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination may view the French president’s stance as a setback in their quest for independence.
The French president’s visit to Morocco and his commitment to investing in Western Sahara under Moroccan control underscore the complexity and sensitivity of the Western Sahara issue. As Macron aligns France with Morocco on this contentious matter, it remains to be seen how his declaration will impact efforts to resolve the decades-long conflict in the region.
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