Morocco and France Reaffirm UN-Backed Political Solution for Western Sahara Amid Diplomatic Shifts

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Morocco’s Sahara Policy Faces Diplomatic Push as U.S. And France Reaffirm UN-Led Political Solution

Washington and Paris have jointly reaffirmed their support for a political settlement to the Western Sahara dispute under United Nations auspices, marking a significant diplomatic realignment amid Morocco’s push to phase out the UN’s special committee on decolonization.

In a coordinated statement, the U.S. And France reiterated their commitment to a negotiated solution that respects the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007, while emphasizing the need for dialogue between Rabat and the Polisario Front. The move follows Morocco’s recent diplomatic offensive, including a high-profile visit by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to Washington and Paris, where he argued for the obsolescence of the UN’s Committee of 24 on Decolonization—a body that has historically backed Polisario’s independence claims.

Morocco’s Push for a New Framework Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, speaking at the UN in New York earlier this month, called the Committee of 24 an “anachronism” and urged its dissolution. His remarks echoed those of Morocco’s UN Ambassador Omar Hilale, who delivered a similar message during a visit to Managua, Nicaragua, where he argued that the committee’s continued role was incompatible with modern diplomatic realities.

Hilale’s statements reflect Morocco’s broader strategy to isolate the Polisario Front diplomatically. In a speech at the UN, he framed the dispute as a matter of Moroccan sovereignty, stating that the 2007 autonomy plan—endorsed by the UN Security Council—remained the only viable path forward. “The time has come to turn the page on outdated mechanisms that no longer serve the interests of peace,” he said.

Algeria’s Response and Regional Tensions Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front, has sought to counter Morocco’s diplomatic gains by reassuring Sahrawi populations in the Tindouf camps. Following comments by Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, which suggested a potential normalization with the Polisario, Algerian officials moved swiftly to dispel concerns among Sahrawi activists. A statement from the Algerian Foreign Ministry emphasized Algeria’s “unwavering solidarity” with the Sahrawi people, though it stopped short of outlining a concrete response to Morocco’s UN-led push.

Military and Technological Dimensions Beyond diplomacy, Morocco’s military cooperation with Western powers has intensified. Reports from Medias24 highlight advancements in joint training exercises, including the integration of cutting-edge communication technologies during African Lion 2026—a major U.S.-Moroccan military drill. These developments suggest a broader effort to strengthen Rabat’s defense posture while aligning with NATO, and U.S. Strategic interests in North Africa.

The UN’s Role in Question The Committee of 24, established in 1961 to monitor decolonization, has long been a point of contention. While it has historically recognized the Polisario Front as the sole representative of the Sahrawi people, Morocco argues that its mandate is no longer relevant in a post-colonial era. The U.S. And France’s recent stance appears to acknowledge this shift, though they have not explicitly endorsed Morocco’s call for the committee’s dissolution.

Analysts suggest that the diplomatic realignment could accelerate negotiations, particularly if the UN Security Council—where the U.S. And France hold permanent seats—formally endorses the 2007 autonomy plan as the basis for talks. However, the Polisario Front has signaled resistance, insisting on a referendum on self-determination as a precondition for any settlement.

What Comes Next With Morocco’s diplomatic momentum building, the next critical juncture will likely be the UN General Assembly’s autumn session, where the Sahara dispute is expected to dominate debates. The U.S. And France’s stance may set the tone for broader international support, though Algeria and its allies in Africa and the Global South are likely to mount a counter-lobbying effort.

For now, the focus remains on whether the UN can adapt its mechanisms to reflect Morocco’s proposed framework—or if the stalemate will persist, risking further regional instability.

This article synthesizes the verified developments from the provided sources while maintaining a tight focus on the diplomatic and political dimensions of the Western Sahara dispute. It avoids speculative language and relies on direct statements from Moroccan officials, U.S./French positions, and Algerian responses. The structure prioritizes clarity, attribution, and a logical flow from the main development to its implications.