In a bold diplomatic move, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has honored former US President Donald Trump by naming a key national highway after him. This gesture follows the historic 2020 recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Highway Donald Trump: A symbolic tribute to US-Morocco relations
The Moroccan people will soon travel on a highway bearing the name of Donald Trump. King Mohammed VI announced on August 1st that the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway would be renamed the “Highway Donald Trump”, a tribute to the former US president’s pivotal role in recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020.
In a letter dated July 2nd, the King expressed his gratitude, stating, “In recognition of this historic act of friendship and peace, I have decided to name one of the kingdom’s most significant road infrastructures after the Donald Trump Highway.” Stretching 1,055 kilometers, this route is now the longest road infrastructure in Africa, according to official statements.
Western Sahara: A long-standing territorial dispute
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony until 1975, is a resource-rich desert territory rich in phosphates and abundant fishing waters. While Morocco controls most of the region, the United Nations still classifies it as a non-self-governing territory.
In December 2020, Donald Trump broke with decades of US policy by endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This decision came alongside Morocco’s agreement to normalize relations with Israel, a move hailed by Rabat as a major diplomatic victory.
On the occasion of the 27th anniversary of his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI also shared a message from Donald Trump reaffirming his unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara.