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For years, the Western Sahara conflict was in a corner of the international debate: present, but silenced. However, he has returned strongly to the global stage. The reason is not only diplomatic, but economic. Behind the renewed support From US President Donald Trump to Morocco there is a key resource that moves interests and borders: phosphate.
More than a statement. The support of the United States is not new. During his first term, Donald Trump has already recognized Moroccan sovereignty about Western Sahara, in exchange for Morocco established diplomatic relations with Israel as part of Abraham’s agreements. According to Reutersthe president has recently reiterated his position in a letter addressed to King Mohammed VI, reaffirming Washington’s recognition over the territory.
Under the sand. There are tangible reasons behind this growing support and is under the ground: phosphate. Morocco is the second world producer of phosphates, After Chinaand controls 70% of world reserves. About 8% of national production comes from the Western Sahara, specifically from the Phosboucraa mine, According to data collected by Swissinfo.
This mineral is essential for the production of fertilizers, key to modern agriculture. It cannot be manufactured artificially, and its shortage makes it a strategic resource. How BBC has warnedworld food security depends largely on phosphorus. After the war in Ukraine and the crisis in supply chains, its value has shot. In that context, Morocco has gained international influence.
A trade under scrutiny. But there is a problem: the Western Sahara is considered by the UN a non -autonomous territory pending decolonization. AND According to international lawany exploitation of its resources must have the consent of the Saharawi people, represented by the Polisario Front. That consent, until now, has not arrived.
Therefore, the Polisario has opted for a legal offensive. In recent years, it has managed to block ships with Saharawi phosphate in ports of South Africa, Panama or New Zealand. At least fifteen international companies have stopped buying it, fearing litigation or reputational damage, According to BBC.
An economic boom that redraws the map. Beyond phosphate, Morocco is strongly committed to an economic transformation of Western Sahara. According to Bloombergthe country has launched an investment strategy for more than 10,000 million dollars. One of the star projects is Dakhla’s Atlantic port, valued at 1.2 billion, which seeks to position itself as a logistics axis between Africa, Europe and Latin America.
That is not all, because other projects are added as a one billion highway towards Tangier, wind farms, tourist complexes and green hydrogen plants. According to Mounir Houari, director of the Regional Investment Agency, Interviewed in BloombergThe objective is that the region goes from 1% to 6% of national GDP in the next 15 years.
And the Saharawi? While Morocco transforms Western Sahara with millionaire investments, the people are still waiting for a political solution. For years, tens of thousands have lived in refugee camps in Algeria, in precarious conditions, far from the decisions taken over their territory.
In parallel, international organizations They denounce that Saharawi cannot participate freely in decisions that affect their territory. As long as this right is not guaranteed, international legality Keep questioning The legitimacy of the exploitation of resources in the region.
A wound still open. While the world observes phosphate as a strategic resource to feed the planet, who live on the earth that produces them expect something simpler: be heard. Because the same mineral that makes the fields grow also feeds a conflict that, despite the passage of time, remains without healing.
Image | Unspash
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