The North African region is experiencing rapid political changes considering the transformations and challenges facing the world.
The issue of the Moroccan Sahara remains the most significant obstacle to normal relations between the countries of the region. At a time when the Moroccan monarch, King Mohammed VI, announced his country's readiness to open a new chapter with neighboring Algeria, the Algerian regime responded by severing diplomatic relations with Morocco, banning Moroccan flights over Algerian airspace, and later escalating further by imposing visas on Moroccan citizens. Algeria justified these actions by accusing Morocco of normalizing relations with Israel, following the tripartite agreement between the United States, Morocco, and Israel that restored Moroccan-Israeli relations.
In the aftermath of Morocco's diplomatic victories in the Sahara issue—including successive Security Council resolutions supporting the autonomy proposal, growing international support for Morocco’s solution, and the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces by the United States, France, and Spain—there has been renewed interest in examining the stages of this issue and analyzing perspectives that shed light on a conflict often described as artificial and a legacy of the Cold War.
On this subject, Africapresse.Paris conducted an exclusive interview with Julian Harston, former UN Assistant Secretary-General under Ban Ki-moon. Harston, a recognized expert on Western Sahara and former head of MINURSO. In this interview, he analyzed the positive outcomes of Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco and strongly reaffirmed Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces — a groundbreaking stance for a senior UN official.
The visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco thrilled all Moroccans. When Harston was asked what tangible benefits will come from this Franco-Moroccan reconciliation, Julian Harston responded: “Macron’s statement supporting autonomy for the Moroccan Sahara, as proposed by King Mohammed VI, and the announcement of a French consulate in Laâyoune or Dakhla marked a historic recognition of Moroccan autonomy. This decision has brought great joy to Moroccans.”
Harston was also asked if France siding with Morocco as the United States did four years ago, will provide an example that might be followed by other nations. Julian Harston responded, “While this decision may create tensions with Algeria, it marks the end of Macron's attempt to balance relations with both Morocco and Algeria.” Harston also expressed his hope that other nations, including the UK, will follow France’s lead within the next two years.
Harston was asked what tangible benefits will come from this Franco-Moroccan reconciliation? He responded that Macron’s visit strengthened economic ties, with French investors optimistic about opportunities in Morocco. The renewed trust between France and Morocco is vital for improving European-African business relations, with Africa increasingly important to Europe.
In his November 6th speech, King Mohammed VI emphasized, “the time has come for the United Nations to take responsibility” regarding this sensitive issue. Harston said that speech was both accurate and important and that King Mohammed VI highlighted the strong historical ties between the Saharan population and Morocco while celebrating international recognition of Morocco’s autonomy proposal. Harston urged the UN to adopt a realistic approach, supporting Morocco’s legitimate autonomy.
Harston was asked why do you find Morocco’s autonomy over the southern provinces (regions 11 and 12) legitimate and indisputable? His response was that the Moroccan Sahara's identity is deeply rooted in history. Many countries now recognize Morocco’s autonomy, reflecting extraordinary diplomatic success, particularly in Africa.
Since joining the African Union in 2017, Morocco has strengthened its already significant influence on the continent. And Harston acknowledged that Morocco has become widely seen as an African leader who has built strong ties with its neighbors. He also pointed to the successes in the southern provinces where there has been significant investment that has spurred significant development in cities like Laâyoune and Dakhla.
When Harston was asked what significant changes have you observed in Moroccan diplomacy in recent years, he responded: “Moroccan diplomacy has evolved into an effective and active force, especially economically. International perceptions of Morocco have shifted thanks to strategic changes initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2018.” And Harston expressed optimism for for Morocco’s diplomatic and economic future while maintaining his candid role as a “critical friend” to the Kingdom.
The statements made by Julian Harston confirm the growing international recognition of Morocco's legitimate sovereignty over its southern provinces and the historical and strategic depth of this position. It is worth noting that Donald Trump officially recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara during his first term. And the rest of the world appears to be coming to the same conclusion.
Harston's statements also highlight the important moment when positions related to the Sahara conflict—imposed on Morocco for decades—are beginning to shift towards clarity, rationality and fairness. The evolution of positions confirms that they are based on the facts of history, the arguments of geography, and the unwavering loyalty of the inhabitants to the Kingdom of Morocco. The world is now witnessing the revelation of the truth behind this conflict, paving the way for greater support and recognition of Morocco's rightful position.