The diplomatic landscape in North Africa has taken a tumultuous turn following France's official endorsement of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. This decision, prominently articulated in a letter by French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco's King Mohammed VI, has stirred considerable diplomatic friction, particularly with Algeria.

Significantly, Morocco's King Mohammed VI expressed profound appreciation for France's stance, praising the clear and robust position of the French government. This approval is seen as a vital step in recognizing Morocco's legal claims over Western Sahara, a region historically contested and a focal point of regional disputes. I am particularly pleased with the clear and strong position adopted by France, King Mohammed VI stated, emphasizing the international support garnered through France's endorsement.

On the flip side, Algeria has reacted vehemently. In an immediate response, Algeria decided to withdraw its ambassador from France, a move reminiscent of its past actions against Madrid when Spain supported Morocco's autonomy plan in 2022. Algeria's Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuke, condemning France's position and asserting that there would be consequences for what it perceives as support for an illegal occupation.

The root of this dispute dates back to the era of decolonization in 1975. Morocco claims Western Sahara as part of its sovereign territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence for the region. The Polisario Front swiftly criticized Macron's letter, describing it as support for a violent and illegal occupation.

The United Nations, which categorizes Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory, has been mediating for decades. It has managed a peacekeeping mission since 1991 with an aim to facilitate a referendum on the territory's future. However, Morocco has consistently dismissed any referendum that includes the option of independence, advocating instead for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the only viable solution.

France's declaration marks a significant shift in its diplomatic stance, aligning more closely with Morocco's position. Macron emphasized in his correspondence that the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is now the only framework deemed suitable for resolving the dispute in a just, lasting, and politically negotiated manner. This position, he claims, aligns with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The reaction has not been limited to diplomatic gestures. Algeria's decision to recall its ambassador highlights the deep-seated tensions and the potential for escalated diplomatic rifts. It underscores the complex political dynamics in North Africa, where historical rivalries and territorial disputes continue to shape the region's geopolitical climate.

Adding to the regional complexity, the United States, under former President Donald Trump, recognized Morocco's claim over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel in 2020. This move, coupled with Spain's support for Morocco's plan in 2022, has significantly influenced the geopolitical alignment around the Western Sahara issue, garnering mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

The significance of France's support was echoed by various Moroccan officials. The Royal Palace in Morocco expressed its satisfaction, viewing France's decision as a substantial endorsement of Moroccan sovereignty. Meanwhile, Algeria's Foreign Ministry expressed great regret over France's decision, lamenting the move's implications for regional stability and diplomacy.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely. The Western Sahara dispute remains one of the most enduring and complex conflicts in the region, with significant implications for European and North African diplomacy. The positions taken by major powers like France, Spain, and the United States will likely continue to influence the trajectory of this long-running conflict and the intricate web of regional alliances and rivalries.