How Morocco's Western Sahara gamble paid off | Mapped Out

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 02:53:43 +0000

Morocco occupies most of disputed Western Sahara while the indigenous Sahrawi people's movement, the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks an independent state. But Morocco has managed to win increasing global support - by using its phosphate resources to foster long-term partnerships in Africa and striking deals with the US under Donald Trump. Morocco also has good relations with Europe, including the former colonial powers Spain and France, promoting further support for its territorial claims.

00:00 The Western Sahara dilemma
04:27 New king, new strategy
04:59 Phosphate diplomacy
07:26 The art of deal making: US & Israel
09:23 Morocco's military rise

10:32 The Atlantic Intiative: infrastructure as soft power

12:33 France: the former colonial power buckles
14:01 Global support for Moroccan sovereignty?

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