France Makes Historic Western Sahara Visit, Backing Moroccan Sovereignty
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Editor - . February 19, 2025
- . Update: February 19, 2025 1:05 pm
The cultural minister of France Rachida Dati made an historical visit to Western Sahara which marked the first official trip of a French official to the contested region. France demonstrates continuous backing for Morocco’s control of Western Sahara through President Emmanuel Macron’s administration which has steadily adopted this position.
As she toured Laayoune which serves as the main city of the region Dati revealed her intention to build Western Sahara’s first French cultural institution together with Moroccan Culture Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid. The minister stated his intention to establish a partnership agreement in Dakhla that will enhance film and audiovisual cultural relations between both countries with jurisdiction over the region.
Migration policy makes France change its stance regarding the Western Sahara dispute. Paris previously kept a neutral approach to this issue but President Macron’s direct endorsement of Morocco’s self-governance plan caused Algeria to challenge his position since it supports the Polisario Front. The United Nations seeks permanent peace solutions through negotiations between all parties at a time when France expressly backs Morocco’s position on Western Sahara.
The French diplomatic stance regarding Western Sahara status enhances international dynamics of Western Sahara while affecting upcoming negotiations along with North African regional relationships.
