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French representative takes trip to disputed African region
(MENAFN) French Culture Minister Rachida Dati has made an official visit to the disputed Western Sahara region, inaugurating several projects and strengthening France’s support for Morocco’s Sovereignty claims over the territory. The visit, described as historic, marks the first time a French minister has traveled to the southern provinces of Western Sahara. Dati’s trip follows President Emmanuel Macron’s October visit to Rabat, where the creation of a "French alliance" was announced.
During her visit, Dati and her Moroccan counterpart, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, launched a cultural initiative in Laayoune, Western Sahara’s largest city, and unveiled plans for the first French cultural center in the region, aimed at benefiting local children, teachers, and students. She also inaugurated a temporary branch of the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions in Dakhla, offering training to 40 Moroccan and African students in cinema.
Morocco controls about 80% of Western Sahara, which it annexed after Spain withdrew in 1975. This claim has led to a long-standing conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which demands a self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people. Morocco, however, insists on autonomy under its rule, rejecting any proposal for independence.
In a significant diplomatic shift, Macron reversed France’s neutral stance last July, endorsing Morocco’s plan for the region, which has strained relations between France and Algeria. Algeria condemned Dati's visit, calling it an unwelcome demonstration of France’s continued colonial influence in the region.
During her visit, Dati and her Moroccan counterpart, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, launched a cultural initiative in Laayoune, Western Sahara’s largest city, and unveiled plans for the first French cultural center in the region, aimed at benefiting local children, teachers, and students. She also inaugurated a temporary branch of the Higher Institute of Audiovisual and Cinema Professions in Dakhla, offering training to 40 Moroccan and African students in cinema.
Morocco controls about 80% of Western Sahara, which it annexed after Spain withdrew in 1975. This claim has led to a long-standing conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which demands a self-determination referendum for the Sahrawi people. Morocco, however, insists on autonomy under its rule, rejecting any proposal for independence.
In a significant diplomatic shift, Macron reversed France’s neutral stance last July, endorsing Morocco’s plan for the region, which has strained relations between France and Algeria. Algeria condemned Dati's visit, calling it an unwelcome demonstration of France’s continued colonial influence in the region.
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