Algeria

Morocco

Western Sahara

France

Politics

Algeria recalled its ambassador to France hours after the Moroccan Royal Palace released a statement saying France's recognition of its sovereignty claims over Western Sahara was a "significant development in support of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara," RFI reported July 30.

Algeria, France: Algeria Recalls Ambassador Over France's Western Sahara Stance

Military & Security

In a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco's King Mohamed VI, France recognized Morocco's sovereignty claims over the Western Sahara, writing, "For France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved," Reuters reported July 30.

Morocco, France, Algeria: France Recognizes Morocco's Sovereignty Claims Over Western Sahara

Assessments

Israel

Libya

Palestinian Territories

Tunisia

Economics

Energy

After decades of isolation, Algiers plans to use its energy wealth to engage with the world, but its lack of economic diversification will hamper this process.

Algeria Emerges From Isolation, but Its Economy and Foreign Policy Will Limit Change

Spain

People take part in a ''Free Sahara'' rally in Madrid, Spain, on March 30, 2022, in protest of the Spanish government's recent move to recognize Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed territory of Western Sahara. 

Security

Madrid’s support will further legitimize Rabat’s claimed control over the disputed territory, though it will also risk inciting more attacks by Algeria-backed militants.

Spain's New Stance on Western Sahara Brings Morocco-Algeria Tensions Back to a Boil

Media

Podcasts

Senior Middle East and North Africa Analyst Emily Hawthorne breaks down the latest developments in the dispute over Western Sahara and what’s at stake.

Essential Geopolitics: What’s Behind Rising Algeria-Morocco Tensions

A bulldozer passes by a hilltop manned by Moroccan soldiers in Western Sahara on Nov. 23, 2020.

The Difficulties of North African Reform

If Rabat makes more controversial statements, tensions with Algiers could escalate to economic and/or military actions.

The Risks of Algeria and Morocco’s Latest Diplomatic Row Over Western Sahara

United States

Europe

American supporters of Morocco’s “Autonomy Plan” for Western Sahara take part in a demonstration in front of the White House in Washington D.C. on Nov. 27, 2010.

The U.S. and the Balance of Power

For Morocco, the move is a major diplomatic win. But not everyone will see it that way. 

The Risks of the U.S. Recognizing Morocco’s Control of Western Sahara

Women carrying Saharan flags take part in a demonstration in San Sebastian, Spain, to demand the end of Morocco's occupation in Western Sahara on Nov. 16, 2020. 

The intensifying territorial dispute between Morocco and the region’s separatist movement risks spurring a far more serious battle with Algeria. 

Is Western Sahara on the Cusp of Another Conflict?

SITUATION REPORTS

Algeria, France: Algeria Recalls Ambassador Over France's Western Sahara Stance

Morocco, France, Algeria: France Recognizes Morocco's Sovereignty Claims Over Western Sahara

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