Morocco’s tribute to Trump’s Western Sahara recognition

Moroccan motorists will soon travel on the Donald Trump Highway after King Mohammed VI announced the renaming of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway in honor of the former US president. The landmark decision, revealed on August 1st, commemorates Trump’s unprecedented 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

«This historic gesture of friendship and peace will forever remain etched in the memories of all Moroccans,» stated the monarch in a July 2nd letter announcing the tribute. The 1,055-kilometer highway stands as «the longest road infrastructure in all of Africa,» representing a significant milestone in Morocco’s development.

The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony until 1975, is rich in phosphates and boasts abundant fishing grounds. While largely controlled by Morocco, the territory remains classified as non-autonomous by the United Nations.

A diplomatic breakthrough with lasting impact

In December 2020, Trump made headlines by suddenly endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in exchange for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. This unprecedented move marked a significant shift in US policy toward the region.

During a message marking the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Rabat’s Western Sahara initiative, further solidifying the special relationship between the two nations.