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Rabat – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has shared a divided map of Morocco on his Instagram account, months after stating that France would adjust the way it represents Morocco’s borders in its official communications.
In October, the full map of Morocco, incorporating the Western Sahara, was published on the official website of France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d’Orsay).
The post has sparked debate over whether the move was an oversight or a deliberate decision.
If unintentional, it reflects a sheer lack of attention to detail, calling into question France’s diplomatic consistency. If deliberate, it aligns with a pattern of ambiguity in France’s approach to Morocco.
The timing is particularly striking given that only months earlier, Barrot announced that France would send an ambassador to Western Sahara to reinforce its consular presence, a move seen as a step to reinforce France’s stance on Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.
During a press briefing in Rabat following his meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Barrot affirmed that France stands with Morocco in seeking a just and lasting political solution, describing the 2007 Autonomy Plan as “the only basis” for such an outcome.
He also noted plans to boost French economic and cultural engagement in the region, with the ambassador’s visit marking the beginning of an expanded presence.
Barrot’s statement aligned with remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent state visit to Morocco.
Macron reiterated that the present and future of the region fall within Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, a position met with strong approval from diplomats and lawmakers.
He too, described the Autonomy Plan as the only viable foundation for resolving the dispute.
In this context, Barrot’s cropped map raises questions about whether France’s position is shifting once again or if inconsistencies in its messaging reflect a deeper uncertainty.
Regardless of the intent, Morocco remains firm in its position: the Western Sahara is part of its territory, a fact that does not change with shifting foreign narratives.
