France backs autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as “only basis” for a solution to Sahara conflict

France has expressed a clear-cut support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara territory, while backing the autonomy plan as “the only basis” to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

This came in a letter from President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI congratulating him on Throne Day and announcing that France “considers that the present and future of Western Sahara are within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”.

France will act according to this position in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity “domestically and at the international level,” President Macron said.

“France, in particular, will continue to anchor the sincerity of its friendship for Morocco and the effectiveness of its partnership with it in a clear and strong position on the issues most essential for Your Majesty and the Moroccans,” said Macron in the letter.

“For France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue (Sahara issue) must be resolved. Our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and constant. For France, this is now the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” Macron said further.

The continued economic and social development of the Sahara territory “is an imperative,” he said, adding that France welcomes “all the efforts made by Morocco in this regard. France will support it in this process for the benefit of the local populations.”

“It’s time to move forward. I therefore encourage all parties to come together for a political settlement, which is within reach,” he said.

“Today, a growing international consensus is emerging in this regard. France plays its full part in all the forums concerned. In this context, it supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy. These should be the beginning of a renewed regional integration process, promoting cooperation, stability and prosperity in the Maghreb,” President Macron said.

“In the current context, I wish to assure Your Majesty of my unwavering commitment to continue, as we have agreed in recent months, the deepening and modernization of the exceptional policy that binds our two countries, to enable them to better meet together the new challenges they face, with the African continent and the rest of the international community,” President Macron said.