Morocco honors Trump with historic highway naming in Sahara region
Morocco has delivered a gesture of gratitude to the United States in a style reminiscent of the American president’s own flair. Following a directive from King Mohammed VI, an expansive highway linking southern Morocco to the disputed Sahara territory has been renamed in honor of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as confirmed by the official Moroccan news agency.
The newly christened Donald J. Trump Highway spans 1,055 kilometers, making it the longest road infrastructure in Africa, extending from Tiznit to Dakhla. This monumental project underscores Morocco’s commitment to developing its southern regions while acknowledging critical international support.
Historic U.S. backing in 2020
King Mohammed VI emphasized that this tribute reflects deep appreciation for Trump’s “historic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020”, a decision that remains etched in the nation’s collective memory. The letter, dated July 2, was shared with the public, highlighting the enduring significance of the U.S. stance on the decades-long territorial dispute.
In December 2020, Trump broke from international norms by endorsing a Moroccan autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, a move contingent on Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel. This pivotal shift in U.S. policy reshaped the geopolitical landscape of North Africa.
A strategic tribute with far-reaching implications
In a reciprocal gesture, Trump publicly expressed his enthusiasm for the highway’s renaming, calling the honor “tremendous” and expressing his eagerness to traverse its full length. While Moroccan officials did not validate his social media remarks, the exchange underscores the personal and diplomatic bond between the two leaders.
The Western Sahara conflict, dating back half a century, pits Morocco against the pro-independence Polisario Front, which receives backing from Algeria. The region, once a Spanish colony, is rich in phosphate deposits and boasts abundant fishing waters, though its political status remains unresolved under United Nations classifications.
The Tiznit-Dakhla project, initiated in 2015, is a testament to Morocco’s investment in the Sahara, with an estimated cost of €850 million. Though not yet fully completed, the highway serves as a vital artery connecting key southern cities, including Laâyoune, the heart of the disputed territory.
