King Mohammed VI Emphasizes Moroccan Sahara as a Priority \ Newslooks \ Washington \ During the opening of the Moroccan legislative year, King Mohammed VI of Morocco reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to its sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara, praising international support, including from France and the U.S. His Majesty highlighted Morocco’s proactive stance and progress, emphasizing unity and continued vigilance in diplomatic efforts. The King also called for stronger national and international coordination to reinforce Morocco’s territorial integrity.
King Mohammed VI, Moroccan Sahara, Deep Look
In a significant speech marking the opening of the legislative year, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco stressed that the Moroccan Sahara issue remains the foremost national concern. He underscored Morocco’s proactive strategy of driving change, not merely managing events, in addressing the territorial integrity issue. The King explained that Morocco’s policy, focused on initiative and decisiveness, has yielded critical gains on the international stage, despite challenging conditions.
One of the most notable developments is France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its endorsement of the autonomy initiative as the only solution to this regional conflict. King Mohammed VI expressed his deep gratitude to the French government and President Emmanuel Macron for this clear position, describing it as a victory for justice, legitimacy, and a reflection of Morocco’s historical rights. The French position is particularly impactful, given France’s prominent role on the world stage and its influence as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. This support bolsters efforts to reach a final resolution within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
The King highlighted a broader wave of international support for the Moroccan Sahara issue, particularly from powerful nations like the United States, France, and Spain. Morocco’s autonomy initiative, which proposes self-governance for the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty, is gaining traction globally. This momentum is further strengthened by the diplomatic moves of Arab and African countries, which have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla, two key cities in the southern provinces. This is a clear endorsement of Morocco’s territorial integrity.
King Mohammed VI commended friendly and partner countries for supporting the Moroccan Sahara both politically and economically. He pointed out that these nations are contributing to the comprehensive development of the region, reinforcing the southern provinces as a vital link between Morocco and the rest of Africa. This collaboration aligns with Morocco’s strategic projects, such as the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline and initiatives aimed at improving connectivity for landlocked countries in the Sahel region.
Despite these achievements, His Majesty called for continued vigilance and mobilization on the domestic front. He urged national stakeholders to remain active in advocating Morocco’s position and countering the maneuvers of adversaries. The King stressed the need to persuade the few remaining countries that oppose Morocco’s sovereignty by presenting solid legal, historical, political, and spiritual arguments supporting the legitimacy of Morocco’s stance.
The King also emphasized the critical role of parliamentary and party diplomacy in expanding international support for the autonomy initiative. He urged for enhanced coordination between the two chambers of Parliament and the need for qualified individuals to represent Morocco in international forums effectively. The selection process, he noted, should prioritize competence and expertise to achieve national goals.
In closing, His Majesty praised the unity and solidarity demonstrated by all Moroccans, crediting their collective efforts for the progress made in defending Morocco’s territorial integrity. He extended special gratitude to the people of the Sahara for their unwavering loyalty and sacrifices in defending the nation’s interests. King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to regional cooperation, promoting shared security, stability, and development across the Maghreb region. In his concluding remarks, the King referenced a Quranic verse, underlining the belief that the truth will ultimately prevail and that Morocco will remain steadfast in its defense of unity and sovereignty.
