Trump Announces the Donald J. Trump Highway Project
In a significant infrastructure initiative, former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially announced the construction of the Donald J. Trump Highway. This ambitious project aims to connect the Moroccan city of Tiznit with Dakhla, located in the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Spanning an impressive 1,000 kilometers, the highway is projected to cost around 880 million euros and will link various coastal towns, including Laayoune, leading directly to the upcoming Atlantic Port of Dakhla, which is set to be completed by 2028.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Relations
The announcement of this highway comes against a backdrop of historical ties, as Morocco was the first nation to officially recognize the independence of the United States back in 1786. Trump expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for this collaborative venture, emphasizing the honor it represents for him personally and his desire to travel along the highway once completed. This project is part of Morocco's broader strategy that has been in development since the 1980s, focusing on territorial integration through significant investments in infrastructure such as roads, ports, hospitals, and schools in Western Sahara. The Tiznit-Dakhla highway symbolizes the culmination of these efforts, enhancing connectivity and solidifying Morocco's presence in the region.
Western Sahara, previously a Spanish colony, has been a point of contention since Morocco's occupation in 1975, which was met with resistance from the Polisario Front. The conflict led to a war that continued until 1991, when a ceasefire was established with the intent of conducting a referendum for self-determination. However, disagreements regarding voter registration, particularly concerning the inclusion of Moroccan settlers, have stalled this process. Trump's prior recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in late 2020 has further solidified international support for Morocco's position, with recent endorsements from Spanish and French governments for Morocco's autonomy plan being met with criticism from the Polisario Front, which maintains that Spain is still the de jure administering power of the territory.
As reported by infobae.com.
