Moroccan Sahara: facts versus clichés
- Historical context and international politics
- A development model embodied in infrastructure and projects (key data)
- Local governance: Sahrawis with real institutional roles
- Cultural identity and heritage protection
- International recognition and support: a changing landscape
- Economic and strategic reading: why Dakhla matters (and why it matters to Spain and Europe)
- Conclusion
This opinion piece is a direct response to that biased interpretation: reducing the exemplary development dynamic in the Moroccan Sahara to a colonial caricature ignores history, the social and economic transformations underway, and the active role of the Sahrawis themselves in building their future.
Historical context and international politics
Since the return of the southern provinces to Moroccan sovereignty in 1975, the issue of Western Sahara has been the subject of negotiations and resolutions at the UN; the international community, including the UN itself, is calling for a negotiated political solution, while in practice external initiatives and positions have evolved in recent years.
A development model embodied in infrastructure and projects (key data)
In 2015, Morocco launched a “new development model” for the southern provinces with a budget of around 77 billion dirhams, aimed at closing gaps in infrastructure and services. This framework is the material driver of the changes observable in the region.
Among the most tangible projects is the ≈1,055 km Tiznit–Dajla expressway, which connects the Atlantic coast with the southern tip and links the country's land corridor.
The port of Dakhla Atlantique, designed as a logistics hub and gateway to West Africa, is another strategic project—currently under construction and scheduled for completion by the end of the decade—that is altering the economic geography of the region.
In terms of energy, the south is home to significant projects: the Tarfaya wind farm (≈300 MW), solar plants in Laâyoune and Boujdour, and green hydrogen plans linked to Dakhla.
In health and education, the Laâyoune University Hospital and the establishment of university campuses are modernizing public services and retaining local talent.
Local governance: Sahrawis with real institutional roles
Far from the stereotype of an imposed administration, the regional councils of Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab are chaired by elected Sahrawi politicians and manage regional development budgets and agendas. This decentralization and local leadership are an objective political fact to be considered.
Cultural identity and heritage protection
The 2011 Moroccan Constitution includes the preservation of Hassani culture as a component of the country's cultural unity; in addition, events such as the Moussem of Tan-Tan are inscribed on the UNESCO list, which demonstrates efforts to promote culture and heritage.
International recognition and support: a changing landscape
The position of key powers has changed significantly in recent years. The United States formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and described the autonomy proposal as “serious, credible, and realistic.”
Emmanuel Macron solemnly reaffirmed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, before the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat, that “the present and future” of Western Sahara “are fully within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.”
In June 2025, the United Kingdom announced its explicit support for Moroccan autonomy, thus confirming the trend of alignment with Rabat's proposal by three permanent members of the Security Council.
Economic and strategic reading: why Dakhla matters (and why it matters to Spain and Europe)
The economic transformation of the south is not a local issue: the port of Dakhla, the logistics corridors to Africa, and the renewable energy projects make the region a platform for African Atlantic connectivity. For Spain—Morocco's neighbor and partner—this opens up opportunities in investment, tourism, fishing, clean energy, and maritime security.
Conclusion
The Economist's caricature does not stand up to scrutiny: the Moroccan Sahara is not a colonized territory, but a booming region with modern infrastructure, a recognized culture, institutions run by Sahrawis, and growing international support.
For Spain and Europe, looking at the Sahara with rigor and not with clichés is a matter of responsibility and strategic interest.