Morocco | Major news shakes the international diplomatic scene. According to exclusive information revealed by the Horizons Geopolitical Institute (IGH), France is preparing to make history by becoming the first European country to establish diplomatic representation in the Saharan provinces of Morocco.
The information, confirmed by a source close to the Élyséeindicates that “France will open a consulate general and a French Institute in Laayoune”. This historic announcement should be officially unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron during his speech to the Moroccan Parliament, scheduled for October 29.
The choice of the inauguration date has particular symbolism. Indeed, according to the IGH, “the opening of the two performances would be scheduled for November 6”thus coinciding with the Green March celebrations. “This historic decision comes three months after Paris’ recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara”underlines the Institute.
The project provides for a strategic location in the heart of Laâyoune. According to the information obtained, “the consulate will be located in the administrative district, in a villa, boulevard Essalam”. Its jurisdiction will cover a wide area, encompassing “the regions of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab”.
The French initiative is not limited to the diplomatic presence. The French Institute which will accompany the consulate “will offer a complete cultural and educational offer, including a media library and language courses”. This dual presence reinforces already existing links, as the IGH points out: “this dual diplomatic and cultural presence joins the French economic presence already effective through a branch of the Franco-Moroccan Chamber of Commerce and Industry”.
The decision is part of a broader strategic vision. According to the Elysian source cited by the Institute, “it is a complete system which concretely marks the new French position on the Sahara”. The objective is also economical, since “these new representations aim to support growing French investments in the south of the kingdom, particularly in renewable energies”.
This initiative follows a formal commitment taken by President Macron. In an official communication addressed to King Mohammed VI on July 30, he explicitly declared that he “considers that the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”. The French president also underlined “the intangibility of the French position on this national security issue for the Kingdom”ensuring that France “intends to act consistently with this position nationally and internationally”.
This announcement comes on the eve of the French president’s state visit to Morocco, scheduled for October 28 to 30, 2024, which promises to be a crucial moment in the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two nations.