US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only realistic path toward resolving the decades-long dispute.

The development comes as Spain continues to grapple with a massive migrant influx into its North African enclave of Ceuta, prompting emergency discussions across the European Union. The Western Sahara dispute remains one of North Africa’s most sensitive geopolitical issues, involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and international stakeholders.

Trump Reaffirms US Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Claim | Spain Faces Migrant Crisis

At least 16 migrants have lost their lives in shipwrecks off the coasts of Tunisia and Western Sahara, said the officials, on Monday (August 7). This comes amid a spike in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll in Tunisia migrant wreck rises to 11, 42 missing</h2>

Tunisian authorities said that they recovered seven more bodies believed to be of migrants who drowned in a shipwreck off Tunisia, raising the death toll to 11. They also said that only two out of the previously reported 44 people missing were rescued.&nbsp;

This comes a day after a judicial official, as per Reuters, said the migrants aboard the boat, which sank off the country’s Kerkennah island near the port of Sfax, were from sub-Saharan African countries.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-30-migrants-feared-dead-as-dinghy-carrying-60-people-sinks-off-morocco-coast-607117">Over 30 migrants feared dead as dinghy carrying 60 people sinks off Morocco coast</a>

From the beginning of this year to July 20, the Tunisian coast guard recovered an unprecedented number of 901 bodies of drowned migrants off its coast, according to the country’s interior ministry. Additionally, 34,290 migrants had been rescued or intercepted, most of them coming from sub-Saharan African countries, as per Tunisian officials.&nbsp;

Local court spokesman Faouzi Masmoudi told AFP that coastguard units were searching for more survivors.&nbsp;

<h2>Shipwreck off Western Sahara&nbsp;</h2>

Officials in Morocco said that they found the bodies of five migrants, all from Senegal,&nbsp;reported AFP. They also managed to rescue 189 people after their boat capsized off Western Sahara.&nbsp;

A military source told Morocco’s state-owned MAP news agency, that the five bodies as well as 11 migrants in “critical condition” were transferred to a hospital in Dakhla, the disputed Western Sahara’s second city on the Atlantic coast.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-at-least-two-dead-30-missing-after-migrant-shipwrecks-off-lampedusa-622845">Italy: At least two dead, 30 missing after two shipwrecks off Lampedusa</a>

The media report, citing the source, also said that the boat had embarked from “a country located south of the kingdom” and was headed towards Spain’s Canary Islands. However, it was discovered off the coast of Guerguart, just north of Mauritania and was in a “difficult situation,” as per the media report.

The migrants who were rescued, including at least one woman, were taken to Dakhla on Sunday and handed over to Moroccan authorities, said the Moroccan news agency citing the source.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadliest migration route</h2>

The North African coast has become a major gateway for illegal migrants and asylum seekers from several parts of the continent to embark on what has been called the world’s deadliest Mediterranean migrant crossing route in the hopes of a better life in Europe, often on rickety boats which are prone to accidents.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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At least 16 migrants have lost their lives in shipwrecks off the coasts of Tunisia and Western Sahara, said the officials, on Monday (August 7). This comes amid a spike in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations.

At least 16 migrants have lost their lives in shipwrecks off the coasts of Tunisia and Western Sahara, said the officials, on Monday (August 7). This comes amid a spike in the number of Europe-bound central Mediterranean migrant crossings from North Africa which is said to be the world’s deadliest, according to the United Nations. Death toll in Tunisia migrant wreck rises to 11, 42 missing Tunisian authorities said that they recovered seven more bodies believed to be of migrants who drowned in a shipwreck off Tunisia, raising the death toll to 11. They also said that only two out of the previously reported 44 people missing were rescued. This comes a day after a judicial official, as per Reuters, said the migrants aboard the boat, which sank off the country’s Kerkennah island near the port of Sfax, were from sub-Saharan African countries. ALSO READ | Over 30 migrants feared dead as dinghy carrying 60 people sinks off Morocco coast From the beginning of this year to July 20, the Tunisian coast guard recovered an unprecedented number of 901 bodies of drowned migrants off its coast, according to the country’s interior ministry. Additionally, 34,290 migrants had been rescued or intercepted, most of them coming from sub-Saharan African countries, as per Tunisian officials. Local court spokesman Faouzi Masmoudi told AFP that coastguard units were searching for more survivors. Shipwreck off Western Sahara Officials in Morocco said that they found the bodies of five migrants, all from Senegal, reported AFP. They also managed to rescue 189 people after their boat capsized off Western Sahara. A military source told Morocco’s state-owned MAP news agency, that the five bodies as well as 11 migrants in “critical condition” were transferred to a hospital in Dakhla, the disputed Western Sahara’s second city on the Atlantic coast. ALSO READ | Italy: At least two dead, 30 missing after two shipwrecks off Lampedusa The media report, citing the source, also said that the boat had embarked from “a country located south of the kingdom” and was headed towards Spain’s Canary Islands. However, it was discovered off the coast of Guerguart, just north of Mauritania and was in a “difficult situation,” as per the media report. The migrants who were rescued, including at least one woman, were taken to Dakhla on Sunday and handed over to Moroccan authorities, said the Moroccan news agency citing the source. Deadliest migration route The North African coast has become a major gateway for illegal migrants and asylum seekers from several parts of the continent to embark on what has been called the world’s deadliest Mediterranean migrant crossing route in the hopes of a better life in Europe, often on rickety boats which are prone to accidents. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 16 dead, dozens missing after migrant shipwrecks off Tunisia and Western Sahara

Israel has recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara and is considering opening a consulate there, the Moroccan government said on Monday (July 17).

A statement from Morocco's royal palace said that King Mohammed VI received a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supported the country’s claim over the disputed territory.

The Israeli position “will be sent to the United Nations, regional and international organisations…as well as all the states Israel has diplomatic relations with,” the letter to the king said, according to Morocco’s royal palace.

So far, 28 countries — mostly African and Arab —have opened consulates in Dakhla or the city of Laayoune, in what Morocco claims as proof of tangible support for its Western Saharan rule.

A senior Moroccan government official told Reuters news agency that Israel’s position on Western Sahara is “clear-cut” and comes as part of a momentum in Morocco’s favour.

The move comes following the support extended by Washington and Madrid and other European capitals on Morrocco’s claim over the territory.

The official further said that Israel’s position will not affect Morocco's "principles" in defending the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He said that Morocco expects the decision to encourage Israeli investments in the territory.

As an indication of warming ties, the Israeli military earlier on Monday appointed a colonel as defence attaché to Morocco.

<h2>History of dispute</h2>

Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is a sparsely-populated area of mostly desert situated on the northwest coast of Africa.

In 1975, Morocco annexed the region and since then, it has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Sahrawi people, led by Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

Following this, an insurgency ensured that lasted for 16 years until 1991 following a UN-brokered truce and the promise of a referendum on independence, which has yet to take place.

However, the Polisario Front decided to government an exile government in Algeria and announced the formation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976.

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is recognised by many governments and is a full member of the African Union.

The region is home to phosphate reserves and rich fishing grounds off its coast. And it is also believed that the country has vast yet untapped offshore oil deposits.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel has recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara and is considering opening a consulate there, the Moroccan government said on Monday (July 17).

Israel has recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara and is considering opening a consulate there, the Moroccan government said on Monday (July 17). A statement from Morocco's royal palace said that King Mohammed VI received a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supported the country’s claim over the disputed territory. The Israeli position “will be sent to the United Nations, regional and international organisations…as well as all the states Israel has diplomatic relations with,” the letter to the king said, according to Morocco’s royal palace. So far, 28 countries — mostly African and Arab —have opened consulates in Dakhla or the city of Laayoune, in what Morocco claims as proof of tangible support for its Western Saharan rule. A senior Moroccan government official told Reuters news agency that Israel’s position on Western Sahara is “clear-cut” and comes as part of a momentum in Morocco’s favour. The move comes following the support extended by Washington and Madrid and other European capitals on Morrocco’s claim over the territory. The official further said that Israel’s position will not affect Morocco's "principles" in defending the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said that Morocco expects the decision to encourage Israeli investments in the territory. As an indication of warming ties, the Israeli military earlier on Monday appointed a colonel as defence attaché to Morocco. History of dispute Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is a sparsely-populated area of mostly desert situated on the northwest coast of Africa. In 1975, Morocco annexed the region and since then, it has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and its indigenous Sahrawi people, led by Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Following this, an insurgency ensured that lasted for 16 years until 1991 following a UN-brokered truce and the promise of a referendum on independence, which has yet to take place. However, the Polisario Front decided to government an exile government in Algeria and announced the formation of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is recognised by many governments and is a full member of the African Union. The region is home to phosphate reserves and rich fishing grounds off its coast. And it is also believed that the country has vast yet untapped offshore oil deposits. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel supports Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

“We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate.

Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries.

Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale."

The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations.

In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise.

Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard. “We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate. Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries. Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale." The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations. In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise. Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents. (With inputs from agencies)

Large protest in Madrid against Spain's position on Western Sahara

The situation in Western Sahara has "significantly deteriorated" over the past year, the UN Secretary-General has said, citing the resumption of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement in the disputed territory.

Morocco views Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, but the Polisario -&nbsp;recognized internationally as the representative of the Sahrawi people - has long sought independence.

The "resumption of hostilities between Morocco and Frente POLISARIO is a major setback toward the achievement of a political solution," Antonio Guterres said in a report submitted to the Security Council.

"There remains a clear risk of escalation while hostilities persist," he added in the report, not yet published and obtained by AFP on Saturday.

"I therefore call on the parties to de-escalate the situation and immediately cease hostilities."

Guterres said the two sides must agree on the appointment of a UN envoy to restart political dialogue on Western Sahara.

The Polisario fought a war of independence with Morocco from 1975 until a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991.

The conflict has continued to simmer, and has been without an emissary since May 2019, with all candidates proposed by Guterres rejected by one side or the other.

In his report, Guterres noted that in November 2020, the Polisario had announced -- after incidents with Morocco -- that it no longer felt committed to the ceasefire.

In December 2020, then-president Donald Trump broke with previous US positions and recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the whole of Western Sahara.

President Joe Biden has yet to comment on that move.

At the end of August, Algeria -- Morocco's neighbor and rival, and a key backer of the Polisario -- broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat, particularly over Western Sahara.

Polisario wants a UN referendum on self-determination, while Morocco -- which controls more than two-thirds of the former Spanish colony -- has proposed a plan for Polisario autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

The situation in Western Sahara has "significantly deteriorated" over the past year, the UN Secretary-General has said, citing the resumption of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement in the disputed territory.

The situation in Western Sahara has "significantly deteriorated" over the past year, the UN Secretary-General has said, citing the resumption of hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario independence movement in the disputed territory. Morocco views Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, but the Polisario - recognized internationally as the representative of the Sahrawi people - has long sought independence. The "resumption of hostilities between Morocco and Frente POLISARIO is a major setback toward the achievement of a political solution," Antonio Guterres said in a report submitted to the Security Council. "There remains a clear risk of escalation while hostilities persist," he added in the report, not yet published and obtained by AFP on Saturday. "I therefore call on the parties to de-escalate the situation and immediately cease hostilities." Guterres said the two sides must agree on the appointment of a UN envoy to restart political dialogue on Western Sahara. The Polisario fought a war of independence with Morocco from 1975 until a UN-brokered ceasefire in 1991. The conflict has continued to simmer, and has been without an emissary since May 2019, with all candidates proposed by Guterres rejected by one side or the other. In his report, Guterres noted that in November 2020, the Polisario had announced -- after incidents with Morocco -- that it no longer felt committed to the ceasefire. In December 2020, then-president Donald Trump broke with previous US positions and recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the whole of Western Sahara. President Joe Biden has yet to comment on that move. At the end of August, Algeria -- Morocco's neighbor and rival, and a key backer of the Polisario -- broke off diplomatic relations with Rabat, particularly over Western Sahara. Polisario wants a UN referendum on self-determination, while Morocco -- which controls more than two-thirds of the former Spanish colony -- has proposed a plan for Polisario autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

Western Sahara situation 'significantly deteriorated', UN chief says

The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month.

Announcement of the virtual presence follows US President Donald Trump's surprise declaration in early December supporting Morocco's control of the desert territory, which is claimed by the Algerian-backed pro-independence Polisario Front rebels.

The move was part of a larger agreement revealed by Trump, under which Morocco became the latest Arab state to recognize Israel.

Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to the US president, took his seat Tuesday alongside an Israeli delegation on the first Israel-Morocco direct commercial flight, before signing a declaration which provides for the opening of a US consulate in the Western Sahara port city of Dakhla.

"Pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Thursday.

"Effective immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara," he added in a statement, specifying that the post would be "followed soon by a fully functioning consulate."

"This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat" with a focus on promoting economic and social development, Pompeo said, without providing a timetable for the consulate.

He added that the United States "will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the Polisario."

The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month.

The United States will open a "virtual" diplomatic post in Western Sahara ahead of a consulate, the State Department said Thursday, after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory earlier this month. Announcement of the virtual presence follows US President Donald Trump's surprise declaration in early December supporting Morocco's control of the desert territory, which is claimed by the Algerian-backed pro-independence Polisario Front rebels. The move was part of a larger agreement revealed by Trump, under which Morocco became the latest Arab state to recognize Israel. Jared Kushner, son-in-law and advisor to the US president, took his seat Tuesday alongside an Israeli delegation on the first Israel-Morocco direct commercial flight, before signing a declaration which provides for the opening of a US consulate in the Western Sahara port city of Dakhla. "Pleased to announce the beginning of the process to establish a US consulate in Western Sahara," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted Thursday. "Effective immediately, we are inaugurating a virtual presence post for Western Sahara," he added in a statement, specifying that the post would be "followed soon by a fully functioning consulate." "This virtual presence post will be managed by the US Embassy in Rabat" with a focus on promoting economic and social development, Pompeo said, without providing a timetable for the consulate. He added that the United States "will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the Polisario."

US opens ‘virtual’ presence in Western Sahara ahead of the consulate

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