In a bold diplomatic gesture, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has designated a major highway as the Donald Trump Expressway, honoring the former U.S. president’s pivotal 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
Historic recognition leads to an extraordinary tribute
The Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway, stretching 1,055 kilometers—the longest road infrastructure in Africa—has been officially named the Donald Trump Expressway. This decision, announced by King Mohammed VI on August 1st, marks a rare public tribute to a foreign leader by the Moroccan monarchy.
In a letter dated July 2nd, the King stated, “In tribute to this act of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital roadways after the Donald Trump Expressway.” The move underscores Morocco’s deep appreciation for the former U.S. president’s December 2020 announcement recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a disputed territory rich in phosphate and marine resources.
Diplomatic milestone with global implications
Under international law, the Western Sahara remains a non-self-governing territory, though Morocco has administered most of it since 1975. Trump’s recognition of Rabat’s autonomy plan for the region, in exchange for Morocco’s normalization of relations with Israel, was a watershed moment in North African diplomacy. The plan proposed limited self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty, a proposal that has drawn both support and criticism on the global stage.
A lasting diplomatic legacy
In a reciprocal gesture, President Trump reiterated his unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in a congratulatory message to King Mohammed VI on the 27th anniversary of his accession to the throne. This mutual acknowledgment has further solidified ties between the two nations, reinforcing Morocco’s strategic position in the region.
Symbolism in infrastructure
The Donald Trump Expressway is more than a transportation corridor; it symbolizes Morocco’s commitment to fostering international partnerships. Stretching across some of the country’s most rugged and economically vital landscapes, the highway facilitates trade, tourism, and regional connectivity, serving as a testament to the kingdom’s vision for growth and development.
