Macron’s backing of Morocco’s Western Sahara plan sparks Algeria row

Algeria has recalled its ambassador to France “with immediate effect” following French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to back Morocco’s plan for Western Sahara to become an autonomous region under Moroccan control.

Background of Western Sahara conflict

Morocco has long claimed sovereignty over Western Sahara, a coastal territory in North Africa formerly controlled by Spain. Algeria, however, supports the Polisario Front, a group that has fought for decades for the region’s self-determination.

Morocco’s plan, endorsed by Spain and the United States, proposes creating an autonomous region under Moroccan sovereignty, akin to the autonomy models of Catalonia and the Basque Country in Spain.

Algeria’s strong reaction

In a statement, the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned France’s endorsement, referring to Morocco as a colonizer and criticizing the move as “flippant and careless.”

“The French government has ended up giving its forthright and unequivocal support to the colonial rule imposed on Western Sahara,” the Algerian Ministry stated.

Macron’s endorsement of the Moroccan plan was praised within his political ranks and by lawmakers from other parties, including far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

However, Greens leader Marine Tondelier accused Macron of betraying France’s historic position and acting unilaterally without consulting key political factions.

The United Nations lists Western Sahara as a “non-self-governing territory,” emphasizing the region’s lack of full self-government.

Historical context, strategic importance

France’s colonial history with Algeria and Morocco adds complexity to the current diplomatic tensions.

France ruled over Algeria until 1962, while Morocco was a French protectorate until 1956. The relationship between France and both North African countries has often been strained. Recent tensions include France’s 2021 decision to halve the number of visas allotted to Moroccan citizens, a policy reversed two years later.

Additionally, Algeria has longstanding grievances regarding the restitution of historical items held by French institutions.

Algerian gas imports to France have increased in strategic importance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.