A conference was held in Toulouse, France, focusing on the historical and legal arguments for Morocco's claim to the Western Sahara. The event, organized by pro-Moroccan groups, featured academics and experts who presented perspectives aligning with the Moroccan position.
The status of Western Sahara remains a protracted international dispute. The territory is claimed by Morocco, which controls about 80% of it, and the Polisario Front, which seeks independence and proclaims the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and has been facilitating negotiations between the parties for decades.
Morocco's autonomy plan for the region, proposed in 2007, is a central part of its diplomatic strategy. The plan offers significant autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, which Morocco argues is a realistic and compromise solution. This position has gained support from several nations, notably following the United States' recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory in 2020 as part of a normalization deal with Israel.
The conference in Toulouse reflects ongoing international advocacy efforts surrounding the issue. The broader international community, including the African Union and the European Union, continues to call for a mutually acceptable political solution in line with UN principles and resolutions.
