By Deogratias Mmana:
The Malawian Government has endorsed France’s stance on Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
SUPPORT—Macron—AFP
On July 30, 2024, during the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the Moroccan throne, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to the king affirming France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
In his message, Macron said he viewed the present and future of Western Sahara as falling within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
France’s position is a sovereign decision aimed at resolving the protracted dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, with Algeria being a principal actor in the conflict.
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The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has expressed its support for France’s position.
“Congratulations. The Republic of Malawi reaffirms and reiterates the same position,” Malawi’s statement posted on X said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba confirmed the statement.
“Yes, that is the official position of the Malawian Government. We recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory,” Nkhalamba said.
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Following France’s announcement, Algeria ordered the immediate recall of its ambassador to France, according to Morocco World News.
Algeria had previously recalled its ambassador to Madrid for 19 months when Spain recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in September 2022.
The move was seen as paradoxical given Algeria’s stance as an observer rather than a stakeholder in the conflict.
Algeria has rejected recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions suggesting it is a stakeholder in the conflict.
According to africanews.com, Morocco claimed authority over Western Sahara in 1963, a decade before the formation of the Polisario Front, and controls most of the territory.
Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara. Algeria has accused France of denying the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
According to atalayar.com, Algeria contends that by recognising the Moroccan autonomy plan as the sole basis for resolving the Western Sahara conflict, the French Government is undermining international legality.
On its part, Morocco argues that France’s stance is a game changer, as France is a permanent member of UNSC and intends to act consistently with this position at both national and international levels.
