The strong ties between Rabat and Washington have just received a symbolic boost. On the instructions of King Mohammed VI, a major infrastructure project in the southern Morocco has been renamed to honor Donald Trump, the current United States president.
The Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, a 1,055-kilometer route connecting southern regions to the disputed Sahara territory, is now officially called the Donald J. Trump Highway. This decision was made public through a letter sent by the Moroccan monarch to the American leader on July 2nd, expressing deep gratitude for his pivotal role in recognizing Morocco‘s sovereignty over the region in 2020.
Diplomatic milestone and regional implications
In his correspondence, King Mohammed VI emphasized that the U.S. president’s historic decision would forever remain etched in the collective memory of the Moroccan people. He wrote, «In tribute to this gesture of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital road infrastructures after Donald J. Trump Highway.» The sprawling highway, touted as Africa’s longest road project, underscores the significance of this diplomatic gesture.
The move comes after Donald Trump announced in December 2020 his administration’s recognition of Morocco‘s autonomy plan for the Saharan territory. This decision was made in exchange for the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, a historic agreement that reshaped regional dynamics.
Western Sahara: a long-standing territorial dispute
The Sahara territory, formerly a Spanish colony until 1975, has been a flashpoint in North Africa. Rich in phosphates and marine resources, it has been under Moroccan control for decades. However, the United Nations still classifies it as a non-self-governing territory. A decades-long conflict persists between Rabat and the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria.
Trump’s unwavering support
In a reciprocal message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the monarch’s 27th accession anniversary, Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast support for Morocco‘s autonomy initiative. The U.S. stance remains clear: the Moroccan proposal is the only viable path to a fair and enduring solution. He added, «Any other approach would perpetuate the status quo, which is unacceptable.»
