The United States has once again voiced its backing for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau urging quicker progress toward resolving the decades long dispute.
Speaking in Rabat after meeting Moroccan Foreign Minister Nacer Bourita, Landau said Washington remains committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict, which has persisted since 1975. He stressed the urgency of ending a dispute that has spanned generations.
Morocco continues to promote its autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which would grant the region control over local governance, including economic and social policies, while the central government in Rabat would maintain authority over foreign affairs, currency, and the judicial system. The proposal has also received backing from the United Nations.
Landau noted that ongoing diplomatic efforts are being guided by the latest UN Security Council resolution, with the aim of reaching a lasting settlement.
However, the Polisario Front which seeks independence for Western Sahara and is supported by Algeria resumed armed struggle in 2020 after a long delayed referendum on self determination failed to materialize.
Bourita reiterated that the United States supports a resolution based on Morocco’s autonomy initiative under its sovereignty, calling it the most viable path forward.
Washington formally recognized Morocco’s claim over the territory in 2020, part of a broader agreement that included Morocco normalizing relations with Israel. Since then, Morocco has intensified diplomatic efforts to gain wider international support for its position.
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