Recognizing the Sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco Over the Western Sahara

This proclamation formally recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory, reversing decades of U.S. policy that treated the region as disputed territory. It declares that an independent Sahrawi State is not realistic and commits the U.S. to opening a consulate in Dakhla to promote economic development in the region.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 81329

Key directives

Recognize Moroccan sovereignty over entire Western Sahara territory
Open a consulate in Dakhla in Western Sahara territory
Encourage economic and social development with Morocco including in Western Sahara

Timeline

Immediate

U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara takes effect

Near term (90d)

Planning for consulate opening in Dakhla
Diplomatic engagement with Morocco on economic development

Long term

Potential shift in UN peacekeeping dynamics
Regional geopolitical realignment
Economic development projects in Western Sahara

Risks & tensions

Undermines UN-led peace process and UN Security Council resolutions on Western Sahara self-determination referendum
Contradicts position of African Union and many UN member states on Sahrawi self-determination
May escalate tensions with Algeria which backs Polisario Front
Vague on timeline for consulate opening—no binding deadline specified
Framed as presidential proclamation rather than treaty, raising questions about reversibility by future administrations