Trump's Highway Initiative in Morocco
On July 26, 2026, in a bold announcement from the United States, former President Donald Trump revealed plans for the construction of a significant highway that is set to span approximately 1,000 kilometers. This infrastructure project will connect the Moroccan city of Tiznit to the city of Dajla, located in the disputed territory of Western Sahara. In a message shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI of Morocco for the recognition, stating, "Thank you to the very respected Mohammed VI, King of Morocco. It is a great honor! I hope to travel this great highway one day, hopefully very soon."
Strategic Implications of the New Highway
The highway, aptly named the "Donald J. Trump Highway," aims to facilitate connectivity between southern Morocco and the anticipated Atlantic Port of Dajla. This port is part of Morocco's broader strategy to assert its presence in the contested region of Western Sahara, which has been a point of contention since Morocco occupied it in 1975 following Spain's withdrawal. The announcement comes amidst ongoing disputes over the territory, with the Polisario Front advocating for its independence and arguing that a UN-sanctioned referendum on self-determination remains unfulfilled due to disagreements regarding the electoral roll.
In recent years, Morocco has garnered international support for its autonomy proposal concerning Western Sahara, receiving backing from the United States during Trump's presidency, as well as endorsements from the governments of Spain and France. However, these positions have been firmly rejected by the Polisario Front, which maintains that they violate the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. The construction of the highway not only symbolizes a significant development in regional infrastructure but also underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Western Sahara.
As reported by jornada.com.mx.
