THE Polisario Front slammed the French government today for recognising Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara to make up for its waning influence in Africa. 

President Emmanuel Macron has written to King Mohammed VI of Morocco with an endorsement of the north African nation’s claim to the disputed territory, a former Spanish colony annexed by its northern neighbour in 1975.

In the letter, revealed today, Mr Macron told the king that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 was the “only basis” for a resolution to the conflict.

The French move is a blow to the pro-independence Polisario Front, which has long been recognised by the United Nations as the legitimate representative of the indigenous Saharawi people.

Mr Macron said: “The present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”

Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic Foreign Minister Mohamed Sidati accused France of acting at odds with international law and backing Moroccan expansionism following setbacks like the series of revolts against French domination in west African countries.

The Polisario minister said: “The Saharawi people will continue to stubbornly defend their rights until they obtain the definitive departure of the Moroccan aggressor from their territory and general recognition of the legitimacy of their struggle for self-determination and independence.” 

France’s abandonment of its historic position follows similar shifts by the United States, Israel and Spain.