France reiterates that the present and future of the Sahara are part of Morocco’s sovereignty

France reiterated that the “present and future of the Sahara are part of Morocco’s sovereignty” and has declined the precise measures in accordance with this decision.

This position was expressed on Wednesday 20 May 2026 in Rabat by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, in a statement to the press, after his meeting with Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans residing abroad.

Stressing that the Sahara issue is strategic for France and for the region, Mr. Barrot recalled that in accordance with the position expressed by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, in his letter addressed to His Majesty King of Morocco Mohammed VI on July 30 2024, that “the present and the future of this territory are part of Moroccan sovereignty.”

In this context, the French minister affirmed France’s support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as the sole basis for a just, sustainable and negotiated political solution. Adding that the UN Security Council in its resolution 2797 has been part of this logic and that France welcomes this positive dynamic and the resumption of direct discussion between all stakeholders on the basis of the autonomy plan.

On the measures taken by France pursuant to this position, Mr. Barrot said his country has now increased its consular presence and cultural activities, with the opening of a visa application centre, the creation of a French Alliance in Laayoune and the inauguration of a new school.

At the economic level, he noted that French companies are investing in the Sahara and that the French Development Agency and the operators are accompanying them in this context.

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