Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again reiterated his strong backing of Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing Rabat’s autonomy proposal as the only viable solution to the decades-long territorial dispute. The statement, reported by Morocco’s state news agency (MAP) on Saturday, marks a continuation of the Trump administration’s stance on the issue.
The Western Sahara conflict is one of Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes, involving Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front—a liberation movement that seeks full independence for the region. Morocco considers the territory, which it annexed in 1975 after the withdrawal of Spanish colonial forces, as an integral part of its kingdom. In contrast, the Polisario Front insists on the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination and has long campaigned for an independent state.
During the final weeks of his presidency in December 2020, Trump made headlines by formally recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara—a significant diplomatic move that broke with decades of U.S. foreign policy. The recognition came as part of a broader agreement under which Morocco agreed to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel, joining a handful of other Arab nations in what became known as the Abraham Accords.
Trump’s latest remarks signal his continued support for that recognition, particularly emphasizing Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the sole basis” for a lasting solution. The autonomy initiative, first proposed by Morocco in 2007, would allow the Sahrawis limited self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, a proposal that Rabat argues is realistic and pragmatic. However, the Polisario Front and its supporters reject the plan, insisting on a UN-backed referendum for full independence—an idea that has stalled for decades amid diplomatic deadlock.
The region remains strategically and economically significant. Western Sahara boasts rich phosphate deposits, which are vital for global agriculture, and its Atlantic coastline offers abundant fishing resources. The territory’s unresolved status continues to pose a challenge to regional stability and has implications for international diplomacy, particularly between Morocco, Algeria, and their respective allies.
While Trump is no longer in office, his statements continue to carry weight, especially among his political base and international partners who view his foreign policy stances as indicative of future directions should he return to power. His reaffirmation of support for Morocco may also influence ongoing discussions at the United Nations and within the broader international community regarding the path forward in Western Sahara.
As the situation develops, the international community remains divided, with some nations backing Morocco’s autonomy plan and others advocating for a referendum. Meanwhile, the people of Western Sahara remain at the center of a protracted conflict with no immediate resolution in sight.
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