France Announces Plans for Consular Representation in Western Sahara ((video)
French Senate President Gérard Larcher announced plans for France to establish consular representation in Western Sahara during his visit to Morocco on February 24, 2025. This move supports Morocco's sovereignty claims and follows a trend of international backing for Morocco, although it has provoked strong opposition from Algeria, potentially heightening regional tensions.
hassan benyoub 
In a significant diplomatic move, French Senate President Gérard Larcher announced during his official visit to Morocco on February 24, 2025, that France intends to establish consular representation in Western Sahara. This decision reflects France's commitment to supporting Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory, aligning with President Emmanuel Macron's policy shift in 2024.
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رئيس مجلس الشيوخ الفرنسي يؤكد أن فرنسا سوف تقوم بتنزيل تمثيل قنصلي في الصحراء المغربية pic.twitter.com/uTizVXtHtV — Defense Atlas - المرصد الأطلسي للدفاع و التسليح (@DefenseAtlas009) February 24, 2025
Larcher's statement, described as "courageous" on social media platforms, underscores France's backing of Morocco's autonomy plan as a definitive solution to the long-standing conflict. The proposed consular representation is expected to be established in Laayoune, a major city in Western Sahara, making France the first European country to take such a step.
This move follows a broader trend of international support for Morocco's position, with the United States, Israel, and several Arab and African nations having previously endorsed Moroccan sovereignty. However, it faces strong opposition from Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front's independence claims.
Algeria has historically reacted strongly to such diplomatic maneuvers, recalling its ambassador from France in response to similar announcements. The establishment of a French consular presence could set a precedent, encouraging other nations to follow suit, potentially escalating regional tensions.
Morocco has welcomed this development as further international validation of its sovereignty, emphasizing that the autonomy plan is the only viable solution to the conflict. The visit by Larcher aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between France and Morocco, but it may also exacerbate regional challenges, particularly with ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria.
