The United States has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the sole basis for resolving the decades-long conflict over Western Sahara, reiterating the position originally adopted by former President Donald Trump in 2020. During a meeting in Washington on Tuesday with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Washington views Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan—which offers limited self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty—as the only “serious, credible, and realistic” path toward a lasting resolution, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
“The Secretary reaffirmed President Trump’s urging for the parties to engage in discussions without delay, using Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as the only framework for a mutually acceptable solution,” Bruce said in a statement.
The Western Sahara conflict dates back to 1975, following Spain’s withdrawal from the territory. Morocco claimed the land as part of its kingdom, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, declared an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and began an armed struggle. The conflict led to a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991, but a political resolution has remained elusive.
President Trump formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 as part of a broader diplomatic agreement that saw Morocco normalize relations with Israel. While the Biden administration has not publicly reversed the decision, it had previously avoided making a clear statement—until now.
The renewed U.S. position puts pressure on the Polisario and its regional backers, notably Algeria, which insists on a UN-backed referendum on independence. The State Department’s statement marks a shift toward a more assertive policy stance, aligning with Moroccan diplomacy and potentially influencing future UN-led negotiations.
Analysts say the move is likely to strengthen U.S.-Morocco ties, particularly in security and economic cooperation, but could further complicate relations with Algeria and the African Union, both of which support Sahrawi self-determination.
