French Ambassador Visits Laayoune and Dakhla: France Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

In a move underscoring France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, Christophe Lecourtier, the French Ambassador to Morocco, made an official visit to the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla. This visit, which is part of France’s ongoing “diplomacy of small steps,” aims to affirm and gradually strengthen its support for Morocco’s position regarding its southern provinces, including the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

A Diplomatic Signal of Support

The ambassador’s visit to Laayoune and Dakhla comes at a significant moment, as Morocco continues to garner international recognition of its sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. By visiting these key cities, Lecourtier emphasized France’s acknowledgment of Morocco’s claims and its willingness to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties in these areas.

During his visit, Lecourtier held meetings with local officials and stakeholders, highlighting France’s continued investment in and partnership with the region. The ambassador emphasized France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, which has been touted as a practical and realistic solution to the longstanding territorial dispute. This stance aligns with France’s broader policy of supporting stability and regional development in North Africa.

France’s Diplomacy of Small Steps

France’s diplomatic approach towards Western Sahara has been characterized as a “diplomacy of small steps,” a strategy that involves incremental, consistent actions to acknowledge Morocco’s sovereignty without making any abrupt policy shifts. This approach aims to support Morocco’s aspirations while maintaining regional stability and avoiding unnecessary tensions with other stakeholders, including Algeria, which opposes Morocco’s claims to the territory.

The French government’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty is seen as part of a broader effort to deepen Franco-Moroccan relations. France has a vested interest in maintaining strong ties with Morocco, given the historical, economic, and security ties that bind the two nations. The Western Sahara issue, which has been a point of contention in North Africa for decades, remains a sensitive topic, and France’s incremental support is aimed at contributing to a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

Strategic Importance of Laayoune and Dakhla

Laayoune and Dakhla, the two cities visited by Ambassador Lecourtier, are vital to Morocco’s vision for the future of Western Sahara. Laayoune serves as the administrative center of the region, while Dakhla, with its strategic Atlantic coastline, is being positioned as an economic hub and a gateway for trade with West Africa. Morocco has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in these cities, including roads, ports, and renewable energy initiatives, to boost the region’s economic potential and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants.

The ambassador’s visit to these cities serves as a symbolic recognition of Morocco’s development efforts in the region. France has also expressed interest in partnering with Morocco on economic projects in Western Sahara, which could further enhance the area’s integration into Morocco’s national economy and attract international investors.

Regional Reactions and Implications

The visit has drawn varied reactions from regional actors. Morocco has welcomed the gesture, viewing it as another step toward international recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara. The Moroccan government has been proactive in seeking international endorsements for its autonomy plan, which aims to provide the region with self-governing powers while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty.

However, Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front—a group advocating for Western Sahara’s independence—has reiterated its opposition to any move that legitimizes Moroccan claims over the territory. Algeria has consistently called for a referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, a stance that has led to heightened diplomatic tensions with Morocco.

A Path Forward for Western Sahara

France’s gradual approach to acknowledging Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara reflects a careful balancing act between its strategic interests and regional dynamics. By maintaining a diplomatic presence and engaging directly with local authorities in Laayoune and Dakhla, France aims to signal its commitment to Morocco’s territorial integrity while promoting stability and development in the region.

The Western Sahara issue remains one of the most complex territorial disputes in North Africa, with no clear resolution in sight. However, France’s continued support for Morocco’s autonomy plan adds to the momentum that Rabat has been building in recent years, as more countries express their willingness to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.

As France continues its “diplomacy of small steps,” the international community will be watching closely to see how this support impacts the broader geopolitical landscape in the region. The visit by Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier serves as both a symbolic and strategic affirmation of Morocco’s claims, and could potentially pave the way for further diplomatic endorsements, contributing to a gradual but steady shift in the international stance on Western Sahara.