New Highway to Enhance Connectivity in Western Sahara
In a significant announcement, former President Donald Trump revealed plans to construct a highway named after him, which will establish a vital connection between the Moroccan cities of Tiznit and Dakhla. Dakhla, situated in the contested territory of Western Sahara, is set to become a focal point of this infrastructure development. With a budget estimated at approximately 880 million euros, the highway will span nearly a thousand kilometers and traverse several coastal cities, including El Aaiún, which is also located in the Moroccan-controlled region of Western Sahara.
The southern terminus of this ambitious highway project will link directly to Dakhla's Atlantic Port megaproject, which is currently under construction and slated for completion by 2028. During his address, broadcasted by Europa Press, Trump expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, stating, “Thank you to the very respected Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. What a great honor. I hope I can travel this whole great highway someday. I hope it will be soon.”
Political Context and Historical Background
The region of Western Sahara has a complex history, having been a former Spanish colony before Morocco's occupation in 1975. Despite ongoing resistance from the Polisario Front, a group advocating for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, a ceasefire was established in 1991 with the intention of holding a referendum on the matter. However, persistent disagreements regarding voter eligibility and the status of Moroccan settlers have stalled this process. Recently, the support from the Spanish and French governments for Morocco's autonomy plan has been perceived as a betrayal by the Polisario Front, which continues to assert that Spain remains the administering power in Western Sahara.
Donald Trump has been a proponent of Morocco's claims over Western Sahara since he formally recognized Rabat's sovereignty over the region in late 2020, just before the conclusion of his first presidential term. This recognition has significantly influenced international perspectives on the status of Western Sahara, leading to heightened tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
As reported by plataformamedia.com.
