Royal Decree Fixes Trump’s Name to Strategic Western Sahara Transit Corridor
King Mohammed VI has formalized the renaming of the Tiznit-Dakhla highway to honor Donald Trump following U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The 1,055km project serves as a diplomatic monument to the 2020 normalization deal involving Israel.
Key takeaways
- King Mohammed VI officially renamed the 1,055km Tiznit-Dakhla highway to honor Donald Trump for his stance on Western Sahara.
- The $1 billion infrastructure project serves as a strategic link between northern Morocco and the disputed southern territory.
- U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in 2020 was a key component of the deal to normalize Moroccan-Israeli relations.
- The African Union recognizes Western Sahara's independence, while the UN still classifies it as a non-self-governing territory.
- European powers including the UK and Spain have recently moved toward supporting Morocco's autonomy plan for the region.
A Diplomatic Corridor Through Disputed Territory
Official correspondence from King Mohammed VI has solidified the renaming of a massive infrastructure project in honor of U.S. President Donald Trump. The 1,055km (655-mile) artery, formerly known as the Tiznit-Dakhla highway, represents a $1 billion investment designed to bridge northern Morocco with its southern administrative regions. While Donald Trump expressed his gratitude via social media last week, the official confirmation from the Moroccan state press agency arrived later, detailing a letter dated July 2.
The Geopolitical Price of Recognition
The highway traverses the contentious Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that remains at the center of one of Africa's most enduring territorial disputes. Under the first Trump administration in 2020, the United States formally recognized Morocco's claim to the region. This policy shift served as the cornerstone of a tripartite agreement where Morocco established diplomatic ties with Israel. In his letter, the King characterized the renaming as a personal gesture of regard, citing the U.S. position on the territory as an act that will be remembered by Moroccans for generations.
Continental Friction and International Stance
While Morocco views the region as its "southern provinces," the United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. The Sahrawi people’s aspirations for independence are represented by the Polisario Front, an armed group that maintains control over specific sectors of the land. The current situation reflects a complex international divide:
- The African Union recognizes Western Sahara as an independent state.
- The United Nations continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution, including a long-delayed referendum.
- European nations like the UK and Spain have recently shifted toward supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal, which stops short of full independence.
King Mohammed VI described the current bilateral relationship as the most vigorous in history, fueled by the strategic alignment over the Sahara. The highway itself, which Trump recently touted in a video post, serves as a physical manifestation of this alliance. The President expressed interest in traveling the full length of the road, which Morocco considers a vital axis for its territorial integrity.
Source: BBC — World
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