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Rabat – The US is turning its pledges into reality, preparing to invest $5 billion to support the socio-economic development of Morocco’s southern provinces in Western Sahara.
For years, especially after the US recognized Morocco’s territorial integrity over the region in 2020, Washington has pledged to support the inclusive growth of the southern provinces.
“A policy limited under Joe Biden’s administration, the possibility for American companies to invest in Western Sahara is expected to be eased by Donald Trump,” the African Intelligence wrote on Thursday.
The report said that the Trump administration is preparing to encourage American companies to invest in Morocco’s southern provinces. The US Development Finance Corporation received a green light from Washington to find projects in the region.
The development finance cooperation has already held meetings with Moroccan stakeholders, including Moroccan banks and companies, to identify promising projects, the report added.
For years, the US has been pledging to continue to support the development of Morocco’s southern provinces. The US further emphasized this commitment following its newfound position in 2020, when it officially recognized Morocco’s full sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Following its decision, former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco David Fischer announced the US’ willingness to open a consulate in Dakhla and to support and encourage investment and development projects that bring “tangible benefits” to the region’s residents.
“I come from a business background in the United States, and I am 100 percent certain that Morocco has a strong economic future ahead of it as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said in December 2020.
The development of the region is a pillar of King Mohammed VI’s vision. In his speeches, the monarch has been sharing his vision, emphasizing Morocco’s determination to transform southern provinces into an “engine of development at the regional and continental levels.”
The North African kingdom launched several projects to fulfill this commitment, including the Dakhla Atlantic Port.
Morocco and the US enjoy strong relations. Now, the two countries seek deeper ties.
The US repeatedly emphasized its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. This was confirmed just a few days ago by the US ambassador nominee to Morocco, Richard Duke Buchan III.
During his hearing on July 30, Buchan reiterated his country’s position, hailing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only viable basis for a just and lasting solution for the Western Sahara dispute.
He also reiterated his country’s determination to facilitate the UN-led political process, calling on all parties to the dispute to engage in the process without further delay.
