In a symbolic move, Morocco has officially named a major highway linking southern regions to the disputed Sahara Occidental after former US President Donald Trump, marking a gesture of gratitude for his policy shift on the territory.

Under the directive of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government has bestowed the name “Autoroute Donald J. Trump” upon the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, a monumental infrastructure spanning 1,055 kilometers. This decision was formalized through a letter from the king to Donald Trump on July 2, emphasizing the timing of the announcement as a tribute to the US leader’s pivotal role in recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the region in 2020.

In his correspondence, Mohammed VI stated that the gesture was a permanent acknowledgment of the historic recognition granted to Morocco, stating, “The decision to name this critical infrastructure after Donald J. Trump reflects our deep appreciation for his unwavering support.” The highway stands as the longest road network in Africa, further underscoring the significance of the tribute.

How Donald Trump’s 2020 Decision Shaped the Gesture

In a landmark shift in December 2020, Donald Trump declared his administration’s backing for a Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara Occidental, contingent upon the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. This unexpected move marked a departure from decades of US neutrality on the issue, aligning Washington’s stance with Rabat’s position.

The Sahara Occidental, once a Spanish colony until 1975, remains a resource-rich desert territory with abundant phosphate deposits and thriving fisheries. While the Moroccan government exercises control over most of the region, the United Nations continues to classify it as a non-self-governing territory. The conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front—a group advocating for independence and backed by Algeria—has persisted for half a century.

In a reciprocal message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of his 27th year on the throne, Donald Trump reiterated his firm support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as “the sole foundation for a fair and lasting solution.” He further emphasized that alternative approaches would merely sustain the existing impasse, rendering them unacceptable.

The former US president took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to express his enthusiasm upon learning of the highway’s new name, stating, “What an incredible honor! I look forward to driving this magnificent highway someday soon.”