France Recognizes Moroccan Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara on July 30; Algeria Condemns

Jul 30, 2024, 08:30 AM

On July 25, Algeria strongly condemned France's decision to recognize Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara. The French government, led by President Emmanuel Macron, declared on July 30 that the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the only basis for a lasting resolution to the long-running dispute over the territory. This decision has sparked significant backlash from Algeria, which expressed 'great regret and strong denunciation.' The Algerian regime initially issued a statement claiming that French authorities had informed them of this decision, but later took down the statement. France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara marks a historic shift and is expected to increase investment in the mineral-rich territory, although it may also heighten tensions with neighboring Algeria.