- The United States will open a consulate in Western Sahara following President Trump’s decision to recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed region.
- Mr. Trump announced on December 10 that the U.S. would recognise Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara as part of a deal for the North African country to normalise relations with Israel.
- Recognising Western Sahara was a reversal of decades of U.S. policy and the move has been heavily criticised, not least by those in Western Sahara who have fought for independence and want a referendum on the territory’s future.
- The U.S. decision to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has drawn criticism from the U.N. as well as American allies in Africa and beyond.