U.S. State Department Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in Western Sahara
On April 8, 2025, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, calling it the “only basis for a just and lasting solution.” This stance, echoing Trump's earlier remarks, emphasizes genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty and encourages immediate discussions to resolve the longstanding conflict with the Polisario Front.
hassan benyoub 
Washington, D.C. – April 8, 2025 – The U.S. State Department has reiterated its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and its strong backing for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as “serious, credible, and realistic.” The statement, released on Tuesday, underscores Washington’s commitment to resolving the decades-long conflict, amid ongoing regional tensions. Here’s the full story, optimized for SEO and search engine visibility.
U.S. Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as Sole Solution
In a statement issued on April 8, 2025, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “only basis for a just and lasting solution” to the Western Sahara conflict. The department emphasized that “genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution” to the dispute, which has pitted Morocco against the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, for decades. The announcement has driven searches for “U.S. Western Sahara policy 2025” and “Morocco autonomy plan support.”
The statement echoes the position first articulated by former President Donald Trump in 2020, when the U.S. recognized Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara as part of the Abraham Accords, which normalized Morocco-Israel relations. The State Department urged all parties to “engage in discussions without delay,” describing Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the “sole framework” for negotiating a mutually acceptable resolution.
A Consistent U.S. Stance Amid Regional Dynamics
The U.S. pledged to “facilitate progress toward this goal,” signaling its continued role in supporting a political solution to the conflict, which dates back to 1975 when Spain withdrew from Western Sahara, leaving Morocco and the Polisario Front—a Sahrawi independence movement—in a protracted struggle. Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, which offers self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, has gained international traction, with over 100 countries, including the U.S., France, and Spain, endorsing it as a viable path forward.
The reaffirmation comes at a tense moment in the region. Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario, recently closed its airspace to Mali and faced accusations of destabilizing the Sahel, while Morocco has strengthened ties with Western allies. The U.S. statement may further strain Algiers-Washington relations, especially after Algeria criticized France’s similar support for Morocco’s plan as a “betrayal.” Searches for “Western Sahara conflict 2025” and “U.S. Morocco relations” reflect the global focus on this issue.
Implications for Diplomacy and Stability
The U.S. endorsement bolsters Morocco’s position in international forums, particularly at the UN, where efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled. The UN-led process, which supports a referendum on self-determination, has been at an impasse since the 1991 ceasefire broke down in 2020, with sporadic clashes between Moroccan forces and the Polisario continuing along the berm—a sand barrier separating the territory.
On X, reactions are mixed: Moroccan users celebrated the U.S. stance with hashtags like #MoroccoAutonomy and #WesternSaharaSolution, while pro-Polisario voices decried it as “bias,” accusing the U.S. of sidelining Sahrawi self-determination. The statement could pressure the Polisario and Algeria to re-engage in talks, though deep mistrust between the parties makes progress uncertain. SEO-friendly keywords like “U.S. support Morocco autonomy,” “Western Sahara solution 2025,” and “Morocco Polisario conflict” ensure this story ranks high, capturing readers seeking updates on the dispute.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Resolution?
The U.S. State Department’s renewed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in Western Sahara reaffirms a long-standing policy, positioning the proposal as the only viable path to peace. As Washington commits to facilitating dialogue, the statement may reshape diplomatic efforts in the region, though challenges remain in bridging the gap between Morocco and the Polisario. With the conflict’s resolution critical to North African stability, the world watches closely for the next steps. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
