The US reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity today, reiterating that it views the North African country’s Autonomy Plan as a serious and credible path to a genuine resolution of the Western Sahara dispute.

Barbara Leaf, the US Deputy Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, reiterated the US position, in late November 2024, in Rabat during her meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita.

She also renewed Washington’s support for the UN-led political process under UN Secretary General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.

Leaf notably emphasized her country’s support for the efforts made as part of the UN-led political process to push for a mutually acceptable political solution.

Since late 2020, the US has repeatedly called for advancing toward a genuine and politically feasible solution in line with Morocco’s Autonomy Plan. 

In this regard, it’s worth mentioning that the White House has frequently signalled Washsington’s commitment to Morocco’s territorial integrity.                     The Biden administration has notably continued its support to the Trump white House’s Western Sahara proclamation from December 10, 2020.

Indeed, the Biden administration has maintained the spirit of the 2020 proclamation, emphasizing Washington’s support for Rabat’s autonomy proposal while repeatedly calling Morocco’s plan as the best route to a lasting and feasible solution to the lingering territorial dispute. 

The US position aligns with the broader international consensus that seeks a political — rather than military — resolution to the conflict.