Washington funds projects in Laayoune & Dakhla, confirming U.S. recognition of Moroccanness of Sahara

The U.S. government has decided to finance economic empowerment projects in the Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, confirming Washington’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory.

An estimated total budget of $1.5 million has been earmarked for projects seeking to improve employment, labor, and training in the two Moroccan Saharan cities.

According to the American embassy in Rabat, the U.S. grants will support activities targeting women, youth, and People with Disabilities (PWD). The beneficiaries will receive soft job skills and entrepreneurship training.

Eligible projects will benefit from funding of up $500,000 within the frame of the Middle East Partnership Initiative. The U.S. program seeks to support civil society in the Dakhla and Laayoune regions by developing the professional skills of the participants.

It also aims to help create the economic conditions enabling associations and businesses to organize and improve performance, income, gender equity, and productivity.

For its part, France has decided to invest in the Moroccan Sahara, a move that implies Paris recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.

The French decision comes after seeing Spain, Germany and other European countries strengthening their economic and political partnership with the North African Kingdom, a gateway for investment in Africa and a competitive industrial hub for exports.