Rabat: The French Development Agency (AFD) has announced a $168 million investment in Western Sahara, a region largely controlled by Morocco yet claimed by the pro-independence Polisario Front. This announcement was made by AFD’s chief executive, Remy Rioux, during his visit to the territory, as reported by the official Moroccan news agency MAP.

According to Nam News Network, the investment is part of AFD’s commitment to support the southern regions of Western Sahara through various investments and financing initiatives. Western Sahara, known for its rich mineral resources, has been a point of contention between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which is backed by Algeria, for several decades.

Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the sole framework to resolve the ongoing conflict. This diplomatic shift by France was anticipated by Morocco, especially following the United States’ recognition of Moroccan claims over Western Sahara. This recognition was part of a deal
in which Morocco agreed to normalize relations with Israel in 2020.

The French stance has, however, drawn criticism from Algeria, leading to a severance of diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021. The investment by AFD highlights France’s strategic interests in the region, aligning with Morocco’s position amid the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Western Sahara.