Written by: Mustapha Ezzarghani
Analysis. With Donald Trump’s return to the presidency of the United States, Morocco hopes to further solidify its position on the Sahara issue, although the Palestinian question continues to influence its delicate diplomacy.
“Amid increasingly complex regional and global challenges, the Kingdom of Morocco will, more than ever, be a true friend and loyal ally of the United States,” declared King Mohammed VI in a congratulatory message to Donald Trump following his election victory. In other words, Trump’s win, as he embarks on a second four-year term, is highly appreciated by Morocco’s highest authority. It is important to remember that during his first term, relations between Rabat and Washington reached unprecedented levels, especially with the December 2020 announcement recognizing Morocco’s full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.
This recognition went far beyond being a mere diplomatic gesture: it marked a pivotal moment, unexpectedly giving new momentum to the resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. “The American decision led Spain, France, and other Western countries to reassess their positions, while the majority of Arab, Muslim, Asian, and South American countries have not recognized the SADR,” recalls Ahmed Faouzi, former ambassador and researcher in international relations.
This strategic partnership, which continues to grow, has “withstood the test of time,” emphasizes the king. For Morocco, Trump’s 2020 decision also provided a boost to more ambitious cooperation extending from the Middle East to Africa. With Trump’s return to power, the prospects for this strategic alliance seem set to become even stronger and more enduring.
This momentum was also highlighted by King Mohammed VI during his speech for the 49th anniversary of the Green March, where he reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to its international partners while also reiterating key aspects of the Sahara issue, such as the abandonment of the UN referendum in favor of Morocco’s autonomy plan.
In a clear message to the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura, who had suggested the idea of dividing the Sahara, the King of Morocco reminded him of “the UN’s responsibility to bring this long-standing issue to a close.” Since 2007, “all UN resolutions stress the need for a mutually acceptable political solution, describing the autonomy plan as just and credible,” the former diplomat points out. “All of our partners, including our Western allies, should help bring this issue to an end, whether at the Security Council or at the UN’s Fourth Committee,” he argues.
In sum, Donald Trump’s reelection could further strengthen Morocco’s ambitions regarding the Sahara while paving the way for deeper international cooperation.
