In the context of rapidly changing regional and international dynamics, the message sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the Throne Day marks a pivotal political moment. It underscores that the issue of Western Sahara is no longer a negotiable point of dispute, but rather a settled matter, as the most powerful country in the world recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern regions.
The letter carries a tone that transcends the usual diplomatic courtesy, reinforcing the continuity of the U.S. administration’s stance, first announced in 2020, when the United States acknowledged for the first time in its history Morocco’s full sovereignty over the Sahara. The new content of this message is not limited to reaffirmation; it also fortifies this position by linking it to the fundamentals of U.S. foreign policy toward the region, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, counterterrorism, and enhancing regional stability.
When Trump states in his message that Morocco’s autonomy initiative is the only serious and credible solution to resolve the conflict, he is not expressing a personal opinion but rather conveying a firmly held belief within U.S. decision-making institutions. This stance effectively undermines all separatist narratives and sets a definitive boundary against any misreading of the UN negotiation process, which is no longer seeking a settlement between two parties but rather a framework to activate autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
The message holds multiple implications. Firstly, it serves as a clear rejection of any political option outside the framework established by Morocco. Secondly, it acts as a proactive leverage point ahead of upcoming discussions in the United Nations Security Council in October, where the United States is expected to play a central role in shaping the next UN resolution concerning the Sahara. Thirdly, it indirectly addresses Algeria at a sensitive time that coincides with regional movements by Chris G. F. Pauls, Trump’s advisor on North African affairs, who recently visited Algeria and is expected to travel to Morocco.
The political impact of the message exceeds its symbolic dimension. It arrives at a time when geopolitical competition in the region is intensifying, and the stakes for major powers regarding influence in North and West Africa are rising. In this context, the U.S. position reflects an increasing recognition of Morocco’s role as a reliable regional actor capable of ensuring stability, combating extremism, and presenting a successful model of development in a fragile regional environment.
The message affirms that the Sahara issue is not a bargaining chip but a matter of sovereignty. Morocco today is not just defending its rights; it is imposing them through recognition, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships. Anyone reflecting on the progress made concerning the Sahara issue over the last twenty years will understand that Morocco has achieved not only transformations on the ground but has also established a legal and diplomatic reality that can no longer be ignored.
In this sense, Trump’s message cannot be viewed in isolation from the accumulative efforts made by Morocco through a calm yet firm foreign policy, based on historical and legal legitimacy, supported by a tangible developmental reality in the southern provinces. It is not merely a pro forma congratulation but a clear positioning in a regional equation now governed by new standards, characterized by soft power, clarity of positions, and decisive choices.
