Is France Recognizing Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara?

Various media outlets are reporting on a rift in diplomatic relations between France and Algeria over the Western Sahara Issue. Reports indicate France is recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This comes in light of news of imminent change in the position of France regarding this issue. The French government recently communicated its position to Algeria, according to the Algerian foreign ministry.

French officials have refrained from commenting on a privately conveyed decision to Algeria, outlining France’s intention to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara under the autonomy plan, as reported by Reuters.

Algeria’s rejection of France’s stance could impact the planned visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to France, which has already been postponed multiple times due to bilateral tensions.

France has previously expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal. But It has never clarified its position or going as far as recognizing the sovereignty of Morocco under the autonomy plan, something Rabat has heavily lobbied for lately.

The United Nations brokered a ceasefire in 1991 and sent in a mission to help organise a referendum on the future of the territory, but the sides have been deadlocked since.