Joe Biden on Moroccan Sahara

It has now been only three days that Donald Trump has signed a proclamation that finally recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, a territory that has always been ‘Moroccan’ – historically and especially geographically. The president wrote on his twitter account on Thursday December 10, 2020 that ‘Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity.’ This decision has taken way too much time to be taken because when it comes to acknowledging a nation’s sovereignty over its territory, there usually isn’t much of a fat to chew. Donald Trump indeed reminded in another tweet that ‘Morocco recognized the United States in 1777.  It is thus fitting we recognize their sovereignty over the Sahara.’

One may not like Donald Trump (as a person for whatever reasons) or dislike his methods, but one cannot always deny that he’s a person of peace and prosperity – compared to some of his predecessors in the White House – and a president that firmly embraces the nationalist side of every country. However, and since he’s likely leaving the office on January 20, 2021; what will his legacy be like under a Biden administration about the Moroccan sovereignty?

The question whether this proclamation will be reversed or not isn’t relevant at this point, the real one to ask being why would Biden undo this beautiful work the 45^th president has done. It must be noted that the American Constitution grants almost full powers to the president in anything related to foreign policy and the recognition of states. As a matter of fact, “Trump even has the exclusive right to recognize state sovereignty over specific territories. Congress cannot force him to contradict himself but can nevertheless alter his decision,” according to jurist Shathil Nawaf Taqa. By virtue of the same powers, Biden will have the ability to question this decision by Trump. However, the upcoming president hasn’t yet made an official statement on the matter yet; although nothing for the time being gives a sheer hint that he will reverse this recognition, rather the opposite.

Indeed, the current American ambassador in Morocco – David T. Fischer – told us yesterday December 12 on a press conference that the Biden administration “is in favor of the Abraham accords and believes  peace in this part of the world is absolutely imperative for a safe and secure future.” The Abraham accords, signed on September 15 2020; on behalf of the signatories “recognize the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace in the Middle East and around the world based on mutual understanding and coexistence, as well as respect for human dignity and freedom, including religious freedom.” The ambassador also reminded during the conference that the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States have a long history of cooperation. That should even be enough on its own to ensure the continuity of this vital decision made by the 45^th President of America under Biden’s administration and further.