French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, reiterated France’s firm stance on Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, emphasizing the nation’s long-standing position on the issue. Barrot made the remarks during a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, underscoring that France’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity is grounded in the belief that the future of Western Sahara falls within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, as outlined by Morocco’s autonomy plan.
“This position was expressed at the highest levels of government,” Barrot affirmed, stressing that there are currently no other viable or credible alternatives to the Moroccan autonomy plan. He emphasized that the solution should remain “a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution within the framework of the United Nations” and expressed France’s continued support for UN-led efforts to facilitate dialogue and resolve the issue.
Barrot also highlighted that he would soon meet with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Paris to discuss this matter further, reaffirming France’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its relationship with Morocco on this critical issue.
The French government’s stance aligns with previous statements from President Emmanuel Macron, who reiterated France’s unwavering position in July 2024. In a message to King Mohammed VI, Macron underscored that “the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” emphasizing that France would continue to act in alignment with this position on the national and international stages.
During his state visit to Morocco in October 2024, Macron further affirmed his government’s position, stating, “Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this question must be resolved.” This reaffirmation underscores the strategic importance of the French-Moroccan relationship, particularly in the context of territorial disputes in the region.
France’s consistent support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara reflects a significant aspect of the broader geopolitical dynamics in North Africa and underscores the importance of multilateral diplomacy in resolving regional conflicts.
