US recognition of Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara deals severe blow to Polisario

RABAT – US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara dealt a severe blow to the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

The Polisario Front on Thursday strongly condemned the US decision.

Trump said he was recognising Moroccan claims to Western Sahara as part of a deal under which Morocco agreed to normalise its relations with Israel.

"The stance... is a blatant violation of the United Nations charter and the resolutions of international legitimacy," the Polisario Front said in a statement. The move "obstructs efforts by the international community to find a solution to the conflict."

The Polisario's European representative Oubi Bechraya told Reuters: "This will not change an inch of the reality of the conflict and the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination."

It would also not change "the determination of the Sahrawis under the leadership of the Polisario Front to carry on with their struggle," Bechraya added.

The US will recognize Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, the former Spanish territory in North Africa where a long-running dispute has confounded international negotiators for decades.

Trump noted that Morocco had been the first country to recognize the United States as an independent nation just a year after the US declared its independence from Britain in 1776.

“It is thus fitting we recognize their sovereignty over the Western Sahara,” Trump said.

The deal is the result of talks conducted by the president's senior adviser, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and his chief international negotiator, Avi Berkowitz.

“This is a significant step forward for the people of Israel and Morocco. It further enhances Israel’s security, while creating opportunities for Morocco and Israel to deepen their economic ties and improve the lives of their people,” Kushner said.

Algeria, which hosts Polisario fighters and Sahrawi refugee camps, did not immediately comment on the US stance. 

Morocco's Royal Court said the US will open a consulate in Dakhla as part of its deal to secure US recognition for Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.

In the last few months, Morocco has achieved a diplomatic success in dispute after several African states besides the United Arab Emirates opened their consulates in the southern provinces.