New dawn for Western Sahara
David T. Fischer, US Ambassador to Morocco, attended a ceremony on Sunday in Dhakla — the first step towards recognising Morocco’s claims to the disputed territory.
By Marc Allen, Maritime Direct UK.
Associated Press has reported that steps are underway to open a US consulate in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, the heavily policed former Spanish colony under Moroccan control. Ambassador David T. Fischer and State Department official David Schenker took part in the first formal step towards opening a consulate.
Ambassador Fischer said: “Our trip today to Dakhla is another historic milestone in more than 200 years of friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.” The US move recognises Morocco’s claim to the land but is dependent upon Morocco normalising relations with Israel.
Indigenous Saharwis have sought independence from Morocco for decades and will be frustrated by the change in policy, but others see opportunities for the region in the form of increased tourism and trade. The main fishing port is the lifeline of Dakhla and could become a transport hub for the entire region. 500,000 tonnes of fish are landed there every year, worth $249m annually. A temporary diplomatic outpost is expected to be unveiled shortly.
