France reaffirms readiness to back Morocco’s investments in Sahara

French minister in charge of foreign trade, Franck Riester, said his country “welcomes” and is “ready” to finance Morocco’s investments in the Sahara territory.

His statement echoes that of French foreign minister who broke the ice in Rabat saying France welcomed the development effort led by Morocco in its southern provinces and is ready to invest in the territory.

Proparco, an offshoot of French development agency backing the private sector, “would contribute to finance a high voltage link between Dakhla and Casablanca, a strategic project for the Kingdom,” he said.

His remarks confirm news relayed on Moroccan media saying that France has allowed its development agencies to fund projects in the Sahara territory.

“We are convinced, as confirmed by FM Stephane Sejourne, that this will be through supporting the investment strategy across the Kingdom,” he said.

His statement implies a clear French recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.

As ties warm up after a long frost between Paris and Rabat, French foreign minister has hinted, during his trip to Rabat in February, at upcoming change in his country’s policy towards the territory where Algeria has been pursuing a separatist chimera by backing financially, militarily and diplomatically for five decades a separatist militia, known as the Polisario.

Sejourne told reporters, after talks in Rabat with his Moroccan peer in February, that France had a “clear and steady” position on the Sahara in support of a “realistic, lasting and mutually accepted solution” in conformity with UN Security council resolutions.

France is aware that the “Sahara issue is an existential matter for Morocco and Moroccans,” he said, urging progress on the basis of round tables with the participation of all parties.

Sejourne announced that France will open two schools in Dakhla and Laayoune in addition to an itinerant cultural center in the Sahara territory.

He also lauded Morocco’s social and development achievements in the Sahara, highlighting in particular efforts in terms of training, renewable energies, and the blue economy.

“France will support development of the region by supporting Morocco’s efforts there,” he said.