France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, made a historic visit to Western Sahara on Monday, marking the first by a French official.
This visit highlights France’s growing recognition of Morocco’s claim over the disputed region, which is also claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
“This is the first time a French minister has visited the southern provinces,” Dati told AFP, calling the visit “historic.”
Western Sahara remains a “non-self-governing territory” according to the UN, with a peacekeeping mission focused on organizing a referendum. However, Morocco has long rejected any vote on independence, instead proposing autonomy.
Dati, alongside Moroccan Culture Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, launched a French cultural mission in Laayoune.
She announced plans to open the region’s first French cultural center, benefiting children and teachers. In Dakhla, Dati also revealed plans to sign a cooperation agreement for cinema and audiovisual arts.
France’s position on Western Sahara has shifted in recent years, with President Macron affirming support for Morocco’s autonomy plan.
The change has drawn criticism from Algeria, which severed ties with Morocco in 2021. Nonetheless, France continues to back Morocco’s proposal as the best solution for the dispute.