Morocco basked in US recognition of its sovereignty over Western Sahara Friday after outgoing President Donald Trump changed policy on the decades-old dispute in return for Rabat agreeing to normalise relations with Israel.
For the Polisario Front, which has campaigned for independence for the former Spanish colony since the 1970s, Trump s announcement marked a major setback and drew a promise to fight on until Moroccan forces withdraw.
But crucially, there was no immediate reaction from neighbouring Algeria, Morocco s regional rival and the Polisario s key foreign backer, whose support would be essential for any return to major fighting.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita hailed US recognition of Western Sahara s Moroccan identity as a historic diplomatic breakthrough .
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Pro-independence Polisario Front rebel soldiers pray in the Western Sahara village of Tifariti as they commemorate the 35th anniversary of the RASD (Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic), Feb. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Arturo Rodriguez)
RABAT, Morocco (AFP) Morocco basked in US recognition of its sovereignty over the Western Sahara Friday region Friday after outgoing US President Donald Trump changed policy on the decades-old dispute in return for Rabat agreeing to normalize relations with Israel.
For Western Sahara’s Polisario Front, which has campaigned for independence for the former Spanish colony since the 1970s, Trump’s announcement marked a major setback and drew a promise to fight on until Moroccan forces withdraw.
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