The CIA updates its official map, confirming Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States updated Morocco’s official map on its website on January 19, 2025, thus recognizing the Kingdom’s full and complete sovereignty over its southern provinces. This initiative follows the decision made by the U.S. administration in December 2020, under President Donald Trump, to recognize the Sahara as an integral part of Moroccan territory.
This update by the CIA comes at a symbolic moment, on the eve of President Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term. It reflects the consistent stance of the United States on the Sahara issue, a position maintained despite changes in administration. The adoption of Morocco’s complete map by such an influential agency as the CIA strengthens international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over this region.
The U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara has had significant repercussions on the international stage. Other countries have followed suit, adjusting their positions and cartographic representations accordingly. For instance, in October 2024, France updated the official map of the Kingdom of Morocco on the website of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, integrating the Sahara and asserting that “the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
This international momentum in favor of Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara is also supported by historical documents. A declassified CIA memo from 2004 recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, extending from Hassi Beida (Béchar Province) to the city of Tinjoub (south of Mhamid Ghizlane). The document also highlights France’s responsibility, as the former colonial power, in the territorial dispute between Morocco and Algeria.
In conclusion, the CIA’s update of Morocco’s map, recognizing the Kingdom’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, is part of a broader international trend supporting Morocco’s territorial integrity. This recognition by key international actors strengthens Morocco’s position in resolving this regional dispute and paves the way for new diplomatic and economic opportunities for the Kingdom.