The Moroccan government has renamed a critical highway linking southern regions to the disputed Western Sahara as the “Donald J. Trump Highway.” The announcement, made through official channels, follows a letter from King Mohammed VI to the US president expressing deep gratitude for the United States’ historic recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory in 2020.

Why this gesture?

The monarch’s letter, dated July 2, highlighted that Washington’s decision remains a “landmark moment” in Moroccan-US relations. The king stated, “In tribute to this friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most vital infrastructure projects after Donald J. Trump.”

The renamed highway, stretching 1,055 kilometres, is now the longest roadway in Africa, connecting Tiznit to Dakhla, a key economic zone in Western Sahara. The move reflects Morocco’s strategic alliance with the US and its appreciation for Washington’s decisive role in backing Rabat’s autonomy plan for the region—a proposal endorsed by the United Nations as a viable path to resolution.

Diplomatic context and implications

In December 2020, then-US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This decision came as part of a broader agreement involving the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. The Western Sahara conflict, spanning five decades, pits Morocco against the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the territory and receives backing from Algeria.

In a reciprocal gesture, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering support for the US-led plan, calling it the “only viable basis for a fair and lasting solution.” Trump, in a public letter released on the 27th anniversary of the king’s accession to the throne, reiterated his backing for Rabat’s proposal, stating that any alternative would perpetuate the status quo and prove unacceptable.

A highway with global significance

• Infrastructure milestone: The highway is not only a symbol of political alignment but also a vital economic corridor, enhancing connectivity and trade across Morocco and Western Sahara.
• Symbolic naming: The decision to honour Donald Trump reflects Morocco’s deep appreciation for his administration’s role in advancing the kingdom’s territorial integrity.
• Regional stability: The move underscores the strengthening ties between Morocco and the US, positioning the kingdom as a key ally in North Africa.

The renaming of the highway stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Rabat and Washington, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and strategic infrastructure in shaping regional dynamics.