On August 14, 2026, in the Oued Eddahab region of Western Sahara, tribal leaders and notables renewed their oath of allegiance (bay'a) to King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The ceremony, held in the city of Dakhla, underscored the continued support of the Sahrawi tribes for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory.
The bay'a is an annual tradition that dates back centuries, symbolizing the bond between the Moroccan monarchy and the people. This year's event took place against the backdrop of ongoing international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict, with the United Nations advocating for a political solution.
Morocco controls about 80% of Western Sahara and proposes autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, demands a referendum on self-determination. The UN has called the status of Western Sahara a 'decolonization issue' and has been mediating talks since 2007.
The renewal of allegiance in Oued Eddahab is seen as a reaffirmation of Morocco's claim to the region, which it considers its 'southern provinces.' The Moroccan government has invested heavily in infrastructure and development projects in the area, aiming to strengthen its presence and win local support.
