Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty Over Sahara "This is not the policy of an executive but the policy of the French Republic"
On February 24, 2025, French Senate President Gérard Larcher affirmed France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during his visit to Rabat, emphasizing the continuity of this stance as a national policy. This engagement aims to enhance Franco-Moroccan relations amid tensions with Algeria, highlighting interparliamentary cooperation.
hassan benyoub 
February 24, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic move, Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, reaffirmed France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during an official visit to Rabat. Speaking on February 24, 2025, Larcher emphasized that this position “is not the policy of an executive but the policy of the French Republic,” delivering a pointed message to Algeria (??), which has historically supported the Polisario Front’s claim to the territory.
Strengthening Franco-Moroccan Ties
????#FLASH| Le président du Sénat français réaffirme à Rabat la reconnaissance par la France de la marocanité du Sahara en insistant à bon entendeur (??) que « ce n'est pas la politique d'un exécutif mais la politique de la République française » pic.twitter.com/OKtYNdtWBD https://t.co/C2HPbzPIsa — Morocco Intelligence (@MoroccoIntel) February 24, 2025
Larcher’s visit, which began on February 23, 2025, underscores the ongoing consolidation of the “exceptional partnership” between France and Morocco. Leading a French Senate delegation, he was received in Rabat by Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of Morocco’s Chamber of Counselors, the upper house of the Moroccan parliament. The visit, which includes a planned trip to Western Sahara, highlights deepening interparliamentary cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
This diplomatic engagement builds on a series of high-level interactions, including French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Morocco in October 2024, during which he formally recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara as the “most serious and credible” solution to the decades-long dispute. Larcher’s statements in Rabat further solidify this stance, signaling a unified French policy across its institutions.
Focus on Western Sahara
The reaffirmation of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara carries significant geopolitical weight, particularly in the context of the ongoing Western Sahara conflict. Morocco considers the territory part of its southern provinces, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks independence for the region. Larcher’s visit to Western Sahara, including stops in Laayoune, is seen as a tangible demonstration of France’s commitment to its new position, first articulated by Macron.
During his visit, Larcher is also expected to meet with Moroccan officials, including Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional stability. The French Senate President’s itinerary includes engagements with the Moroccan-French Parliamentary Forum, emphasizing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in sustaining this partnership.
Implications for Regional Dynamics
The timing of Larcher’s statements and visit is notable, as they come amid tensions with Algeria, which views Western Sahara as a key issue in its rivalry with Morocco. Larcher’s explicit reference to the “policy of the French Republic” appears aimed at clarifying France’s unwavering position, potentially intensifying diplomatic friction in the Maghreb region.
What’s Next?
As Larcher’s three-day visit continues, observers are watching closely for any additional statements on Franco-Moroccan relations and the Western Sahara issue. His trip to Laayoune, scheduled for February 25, 2025, could further cement France’s alignment with Morocco, while also drawing reactions from Algeria and the Polisario Front.
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