In a historic gesture of gratitude, Morocco has renamed a critical highway connecting the southern regions to the disputed Western Sahara after former US President Donald Trump, following his pivotal decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.
The decision, announced by the official Moroccan news agency, marks a significant moment in bilateral relations. A 1,055-kilometer expressway—now dubbed the Donald J. Trump Highway—links Tiznit to Dakhla, making it Africa’s longest road infrastructure. King Mohammed VI personally conveyed the news in a letter to Trump on July 2, emphasizing the gesture as a tribute to the former president’s landmark 2020 recognition of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.
The king stated, “This act of friendship and peace will forever be etched in the hearts of Moroccans.” He further noted that the highway, stretching across some of the country’s most strategic desert landscapes, symbolizes both economic progress and diplomatic solidarity.
Why this highway matters to Morocco
The renamed highway is more than a transportation route—it represents Morocco’s economic lifeline to its southern provinces and the contested Western Sahara. Stretching through phosphate-rich and fishing-rich regions, the road facilitates trade, tourism, and regional integration. Its renaming underscores the kingdom’s commitment to honoring allies who support its territorial integrity.
A turning point in the Western Sahara conflict
The decision to name the highway after Trump follows his December 2020 announcement, in which he endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in exchange for normalization with Israel. This move broke from decades of US neutrality and was widely seen as a major diplomatic victory for Rabat.
The Western Sahara dispute dates back to 1975, when Spain withdrew from the territory. Since then, Morocco has controlled most of the region, while the Polisario Front—backed by Algeria—has sought independence. The United Nations continues to classify Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory.
In a reciprocal message marking the 27th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, Trump reiterated his unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative, calling it “the only basis for a just and lasting solution.” He added that any alternative would merely prolong the status quo, which he deemed unacceptable.
On Truth Social, Trump expressed enthusiasm about the highway’s new name, calling it “a tremendous honor” and stating he looked forward to traveling its full length in the future.