Morocco expects more consulates to open in its southern provinces, the Sahara, as part of an international push in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity. Within a year so far, 20 nations opened or are planning to open consulates in Dakhla or Laayoune, the latest to inaugurate diplomatic representations in the Sahara Monday Dec.14 were Haiti and Bahrain, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said. Bourita said the US position is a milestone which confirms the strategy ushered by King Mohammed VI to create tangible change in favor of the Moroccan sovereignty over the territory. “This is not only a proclamation of a position, but rather an assertion of the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara by a major power and permanent Security Council member,” he said. On Saturday, a rally bringing together 35,000 people was held in Laayoune to welcome the great diplomatic victory for Morocco after it won US support.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 15, 2020 10:52 UTC