French Culture Minister Rachida Dati made a significant diplomatic gesture on Monday in Western Sahara, supporting Morocco’s claim to the disputed territory. During her visit, she will meet with officials and inaugurate a French cultural center.
Describing the trip as a “strong symbolic and political moment,” Dati emphasized France’s support for Morocco’s position. France became the second permanent member of the UN Security Council after the United States confirmed Rabat’s sovereignty over the region in July.
Increasing International Recognition
The decades-long Western Sahara conflict, which began in 1975, continues to be a bone of contention between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced his country’s position during a visit to Rabat in October, declaring Western Sahara a Moroccan territory. The foreign minister also pledged to expand France’s consular presence in the region.
Morocco has also won recognition from former colonial power Spain, Israel and more than 20 African and Arab countries over its claim to Western Sahara.