French Minister visits Western Sahara underlining shift in policy

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati became the first French official to visit Western Sahara, a move seen as reinforcing France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory, AFP reports. During her trip to Laayoune and Dakhla, she inaugurated a French cultural mission and announced plans for the region’s first French cultural center.

France’s position on Western Sahara has evolved in recent years, sometimes straining ties with Morocco. However, in July, President Emmanuel Macron stated that Morocco’s autonomy plan was the only basis for resolving the dispute. This drew a strong reaction from Algeria, which backs the Polisario Front, an armed group fighting for the independence of the territory.

In October Macron renewed French support for Morocco's plan while the UN Security Council called for parties to resume negotiations to reach a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the Western Sahara dispute.