France Endorses Moroccan Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara

France officially backs Morocco's plan for autonomy over the Western Sahara region as the sole resolution to the ongoing territorial dispute. This decision has intensified tensions with Algeria, which supports the independence-seeking Polisario Front. France's stance aligns with many of its Western allies but has led to diplomatic friction with Algeria.

France has officially recognized a plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty as the only viable solution for the long-standing territorial dispute, President Emmanuel Macron announced in a letter on Tuesday.

The conflict, which began in 1975, pits Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region. As the former colonial power, France has tried to balance relations between Rabat and Algiers, despite most Western allies already supporting Morocco's plan.

Algeria has reacted strongly by withdrawing its ambassador to France. France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan, proposed in 2007, is seen as the only foundation for a lasting political solution, according to the letter sent by Macron to Morocco's King Mohammed VI. France views Western Sahara as part of Morocco's sovereignty both now and in the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)