Despite the establishment of two government companies and the completion of economic feasibility studies, this project has not witnessed significant progress since 1979. Although the project has not been officially closed, Moroccan and Spanish authorities have refrained from taking the necessary steps to implement it. Before 2022, Moroccan authorities perceived hidden Spanish support for the Western Sahara separatists, particularly during Spain’s presidency of the U.N. Security Council in 2003. Tensions peaked in 2021 when Morocco withdrew its ambassador from Madrid after Spanish authorities hosted prominent separatist leaders from Western Sahara. However, a convergence of political and economic interests has recently motivated both countries to revive this project.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 17, 2024 20:13 UTC