France’s UN Security Council Presidency Bolsters Morocco’s Position on Sahara

France’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council this month is expected to reinforce Morocco’s diplomatic position on the Sahara issue, as UN envoy Stéphane de Mistura prepares to deliver his semi-annual briefing. The session comes amid shifting global dynamics and France’s firm support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.

French Leadership Strengthens Morocco’s Diplomatic Position

France’s leadership of the Security Council in April carries significant political implications for discussions on the Moroccan Sahara. Analysts suggest that Paris’s stance aligns closely with Rabat’s position, offering Morocco a diplomatic advantage as it continues to assert its sovereignty claims.

Meanwhile, Algeria, a non-permanent member of the council, is expected to push its counter-narrative through diplomatic efforts. However, experts argue that its influence remains limited given the growing international consensus around Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the most practical solution.

Strong French Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty

Abdel Fattah Belamchi, president of the Moroccan Center for Parallel Diplomacy and Civilizational Dialogue, emphasized that France’s role in the Security Council significantly strengthens Morocco’s international position.

“This presidency follows France’s clear stance on the Moroccan Sahara, as expressed in President Emmanuel Macron’s message to King Mohammed VI on Throne Day and reaffirmed during his visit to Morocco,” Belamchi told Hespress AR.

Macron had previously stated to the Moroccan Parliament that “the present and future of the Sahara, as far as France is concerned, will always be under Moroccan sovereignty.”

Shifting International Consensus

Belamchi noted that Algeria’s diplomatic efforts have failed to gain traction among major global powers, pointing to last year’s Security Council resolution on the Sahara which omitted Algeria’s suggested amendments.

“The international community recognizes the need to move beyond outdated narratives that don’t contribute to a realistic solution,” he said, highlighting growing international investment in Morocco’s southern provinces as evidence of changing perspectives.

Pivotal Security Council Session Ahead

Ramadan Massoud Al-Arabi, president of the Sahrawi Association for Human Rights, described France’s presidency as a crucial moment for Morocco’s diplomatic efforts.

“This session presents an opportunity to reinforce Morocco’s stance on the Sahara, particularly given France’s unwavering support for the autonomy plan,” Al-Arabi stated.

Al-Arabi, who also serves on the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs, contrasted Morocco’s engagement with UN-led initiatives with what he called Algeria and the Polisario Front’s obstructive tactics.

Growing International Support

The Security Council’s deliberations come as key international players including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and France have signaled support for Morocco’s approach. Analysts suggest France’s leadership this month could provide additional diplomatic momentum for Rabat.

“Outdated proposals are losing relevance,” Al-Arabi said. “The focus now is on practical solutions that ensure security and economic growth, and the autonomy plan stands as the best option.”