U.S. State Department: Washington Reaffirms Morocco’s Sovereignty over the Sahara and Holds Algeria Directly Responsible for the Conflict

ALDAR/ Meryem Hafiani

The United States has once again reaffirmed its consistent stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, through an official post by the U.S. State Department on its X account in French. Washington explicitly confirmed its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, stressing that the autonomy plan proposed by Rabat represents “the only basis” for a just and lasting resolution to this regional dispute.

The post stated: “As Secretary of State Rubio clearly said, the United States recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, supports the autonomy plan as the sole foundation for a fair and lasting solution, and calls on the parties to resume negotiations without delay in order to reach a mutually agreed solution that will bring prosperity, peace, and stability to the region.”

The use of the term “the parties” instead of “the two parties” carries significant political weight. It is not a mere detail but a clear acknowledgment by the U.S. administration of Algeria’s direct responsibility in the conflict—contrary to what Algerian diplomacy has been promoting for years.

In the same context, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Landau held a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, during which both sides reaffirmed the strength of the strategic partnership linking Rabat and Washington, while exploring new avenues to boost political and economic cooperation. The U.S. official also announced Washington’s support for American companies seeking to invest in Morocco, including in its southern provinces—an effective step that consolidates the U.S. position both politically and economically.

This renewed U.S. affirmation not only underscores the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara but also delivers a clear message to Algeria, acknowledging it as a central party to the conflict. It further strengthens the growing international momentum in support of the autonomy initiative as a realistic and pragmatic solution aligned with the requirements of regional stability and international legitimacy.