In a notable shift in France’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict, French public media outlets have begun using a complete map of Morocco, including the disputed Western Sahara territories, reflecting the entirety of the kingdom’s territory.
This development follows a message from French President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI, in which he expressed France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and announced the implementation of this position both domestically and internationally.
France 5, a channel part of the state-owned France Télévisions group, has showcased the full map of Morocco in its programming. This move comes after years of displaying a map that distinguished the southern regions from the rest of Morocco, raising questions about whether this change is linked to a shift in French policy on the Western Sahara issue.
Analysis:
- Political Commitment: This step reflects France’s firm support for Morocco’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict, as outlined by President Macron in his letter. The emphasis on “autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty” as the suitable framework for resolving the dispute highlights France’s backing of Morocco’s 2007 proposal. This direction aligns France with major international positions, including UN Security Council resolutions.
- Impact of the Presidential Message: The letter from Macron coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Throne Day, enhancing the symbolic significance of France’s commitment to Moroccan sovereignty. This timing not only underscores France’s support for Morocco’s position but also indicates a desire to strengthen strategic ties with Morocco.
- Changes in French Media: Adopting a complete map of Morocco on a public channel reflects a shift in French media policies and shows France’s readiness to align its media positions with new official policies. This change is significant as it may influence other media policies and contribute to enhancing international recognition of France’s stance on Western Sahara.
- Impact on International Relations: France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is part of its effort to align with Morocco’s position, which could significantly impact international relations concerning the conflict. As a major supporter of Morocco’s initiative, France may play a key role in advancing peace efforts and international recognition of the autonomy proposal.
Conclusion:
These developments indicate a move towards strengthening France’s support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, marked by tangible changes in media and official policies. France appears to be consolidating its stance both domestically and internationally, which may contribute to advancing conflict resolution efforts and supporting regional stability.
