Paris, April 3, 2024 (MAP) – France has once again voiced its steadfast support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara, reaffirming its long-held position at the highest levels of government. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, reiterated this stance during a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
“Just a few months ago, we made clear our position: the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, as a direct consequence of the Moroccan autonomy plan,” Barrot stated. He underscored that “there are no other realistic or credible solutions today,” highlighting France’s backing for “a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of the United Nations.”
Barrot also announced that he would soon engage in discussions with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, during an official visit to Paris. The meeting is expected to further solidify diplomatic ties and coordinate efforts around the Sahara issue.
This reaffirmation aligns with earlier statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who conveyed France’s support in a message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI in July 2024. Macron emphasized that “France considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty” and described it as a matter of national security for the Kingdom.
In a historic address before the Moroccan Parliament on October 29 during his state visit to Morocco, President Macron reiterated this message, declaring: “For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this question must be resolved.”
The repeated affirmations by both the French executive and legislative branches reflect a consistent and strategic alignment with Morocco’s territorial integrity, reinforcing France’s commitment to a political resolution through international cooperation and UN-led dialogue.
