Morocco’s strategic push for western Sahara recognition amid us rapprochement

The United States has recently intensified its engagement with Morocco, demonstrating a growing convergence in both economic and diplomatic spheres since late July. This renewed closeness follows a significant development in 2020 when Washington formally endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the Western Sahara, a move that coincided with the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. Now, it appears the US is prepared to extend its support even further, potentially backing Moroccan sovereignty claims over the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. This evolving dynamic places considerable pressure on Spain, particularly after the recent influx of tens of thousands of individuals, including Moroccan citizens and sub-Saharan migrants, into Ceuta last week. Riccardo Fabiani, the North Africa Director at the International Crisis Group, offers his insights into the broader geopolitical landscape and the expanding influence of the United States across the region, in a discussion with Liza Fabbian.