Western Sahara: Morocco names major highway after donald trump

Relations between Rabat and Washington are thriving, a sentiment Morocco has underscored with a profoundly symbolic gesture towards former President Donald Trump. By decree of King Mohammed VI, a significant expressway connecting the southern regions of the Kingdom to the contested territory of Western Sahara, claimed by Sahrawi independence movements, now bears the name of the former United States leader. This decision was publicly announced by the official Moroccan news agency MAP on Saturday.

The Tiznit-Dakhla expressway has been officially designated the “Donald J. Trump Highway,” as detailed by MAP, which also disclosed a letter from King Mohammed VI to the former American President dated July 2nd, conveying this resolution.

Normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel

In his correspondence, King Mohammed VI emphasized that this act serves as an expression of gratitude to the former White House occupant for his “historic recognition in 2020 of Morocco’s sovereignty over ‘its Sahara,’ which will forever be etched in the memory of Moroccans.” The monarch further stated, “In tribute to this testament of friendship and peace, I have resolved to name one of the Kingdom’s most vital road infrastructures the ‘Donald J. Trump Highway’.” This monumental project spans 1,055 kilometers, establishing it as “the longest road infrastructure across all of Africa.”

In December 2020, Donald Trump unexpectedly voiced his endorsement for a Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a move that coincided with Morocco’s normalization of diplomatic ties with Israel. This vast, arid territory, rich in phosphates and abundant fishing waters, remained a Spanish colony until 1975. While largely under Moroccan control, the United Nations still classifies it as a non-self-governing territory. For five decades, this region has been the focal point of a conflict between Rabat and the Polisario Front, which receives support from Algeria.

Trump expresses desire to travel the highway

In a recent message to King Mohammed VI, marking the 27th anniversary of his accession to the throne, which MAP also publicized on Saturday, former President Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Rabat’s proposal concerning Western Sahara. From the perspective of the United States, the Moroccan plan remains “the sole foundation for a just and lasting solution.” Donald Trump articulated that “any alternative path merely perpetuates the status quo and is unacceptable.”

On his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump had previously expressed his delight on July 26th regarding King Mohammed VI’s decision to name a highway in Western Sahara after him. “Thank you to His Royal Highness Mohammed VI. […] What a tremendous honor! I eagerly anticipate driving the entire length of this great highway someday, hopefully very soon!” Trump declared, though Rabat had not yet officially confirmed this announcement at the time.