Morocco king calls for ‘unequivocal’ support over West Sahara

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has called on his country’s partners to “clarify” their position over the disputed Western Sahara territory and offer “unequivocal” support.

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He also described the issue as the “clear and simple measure for the sincerity of friendships” between Morocco and its partners, in remarks marking the Revolution of the King and the People, a national holiday that celebrates the kingdom’s anti-colonial struggle.

Morocco fought a 15-year war with the polish Rio0 front independence movement after Spain withdrew from its former colony in 1975.

A monitored ceasefire deal provided for a referendum, but Morocco has since rejected any vote that includes independence as an option, offering only limited autonomy.

The US under former president Donald Trump recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed former Spanish colony, a policy that has continued under his successor joe Biden.

The king also lauded recent moves by Spain and Germany to reverse previous policies and recognise Rabat’s autonomy initiative for the territory.

In a U-turn, Spain in March publicly backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed region after a months-long diplomatic spat.

Rabat and Berlin had in February agreed to renew ties after a year-long diplomatic freeze over disagreements including on Trump’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.