France Strengthens Its Support for Morocco with Cartographic Update of the Sahara

France’s recent decision to fully integrate the Sahara into its official map of North Africa has been interpreted as an explicit confirmation of its support for Moroccan sovereignty over the region. This move, far from being a mere geographical adjustment, symbolizes a clear diplomatic alignment with Rabat’s stance and reshapes the traditional power balance in the Maghreb.

This repositioning stems from a speech delivered by President Emmanuel Macron in October 2024 before the Moroccan Parliament. In what was widely hailed as a historic address, the French head of state expressed unequivocal support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, marking a turning point in France’s official position.

Since then, signs of rapprochement between the two nations have multiplied. High-level French delegations have visited Laayoune and Dakhla, signaling a desire to integrate these cities into the mainstream of international diplomatic and economic exchanges. These visits, beyond their symbolic value, reflect strong political engagement.

This strengthening alliance also extends to multiple areas of cooperation. In security, investment, cultural exchange, and regional strategy, Rabat and Paris have significantly deepened ties. France now seems determined to move past its former ambivalence to assert itself as a reliable and proactive partner to Morocco.

However, this shift has triggered a strong reaction in Algeria, which views this new orientation as a major diplomatic setback. The Algerian government has launched multiple protests, but without altering France’s trajectory. Isolated, the Algerian regime is facing growing internal pressures that may force a rethink of its long-standing position on the Sahara issue.

France, currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, could use this opportunity to promote a new approach within the organization. According to several sources, a reconfiguration of MINURSO’s mandate—or even a gradual downsizing of the mission—is under consideration, indicating a paradigm shift in managing the conflict.

Globally, this alignment with Morocco is also resonating in the United States, particularly among conservative circles calling for a reassessment of UN peacekeeping missions in favor of more strategic partners. In this evolving landscape, Morocco emerges as a key player, strengthened by a consistent diplomatic approach and an increasingly prominent role on the international stage.