Trump Voices Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Proposal
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has described Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as “serious, credible, and realistic,” calling it the sole foundation for a lasting resolution to the long-standing dispute over the territory, according to local media.
These remarks were made in a letter to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who recently celebrated the 26th anniversary of his coronation. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to Morocco as one of Washington’s “oldest and closest friends” while congratulating the king.
“The United States deeply values our strong and enduring partnership with Morocco. Together we are advancing shared priorities for peace and security in the region, including by building on the Abraham Accords, combating terrorism and expanding commercial cooperation,” Trump said, as cited by media on Saturday.
He further affirmed, “I also reiterate that the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.”
The Western Sahara region remains a contentious issue, with Morocco controlling most of the territory and rejecting independence, advocating its autonomy plan as the only workable solution. The Algeria-backed Polisario Front demands a UN-led referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
Trump first recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 during his first term, linking the move to Morocco’s normalization of ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
In April, Rubio met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, emphasizing Washington’s call for immediate talks, using Morocco’s autonomy plan as the exclusive framework for reaching a mutually acceptable resolution. He also pledged US support to facilitate progress.
Morocco’s proposal has gained backing from Israel, France, Portugal, and the UK in recent years.
Meanwhile, Algeria, a long-standing supporter of Western Saharan self-determination, has criticized countries supporting Morocco’s plan, warning that these “counterproductive” actions risk escalating tensions over the disputed territory.
On Tuesday, King Mohammed VI expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Algeria to ease rising tensions between the two nations.
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