Morocco’s white flag for Algeria over Saharan autonomy

Disputes over Western Sahara, claimed by both Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, have prompted what the pro-Moroccan outlet The North Africa Post described on 5th August as an act of “strategic magnanimity” on behalf of Morocco.

According to the outlet, Morocco has extended an invitation to Algeria for dialogue on unresolved issues and proposed an autonomy plan intended to offer Algiers the chance to “save face”. The North Africa Post claims Algeria has been the main driver of separatism in the Western Sahara region for over 50 years, citing its hosting, arming and diplomatic support of the Polisario militias as evidence.

On 30th July, during Morocco’s Throne Day, King Mohammed VI called the proposal a “solution with neither winner nor loser” that would provide a “face-saving solution for all parties.” The king’s remarks were interpreted by the outlet as being a signal of Morocco’s preparedness to turn over a new leaf with Algeria and foster cooperation, peace and mutual respect in the Maghreb region and between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples.

The North Africa Post reported that Algerian state-aligned media and commentators largely dismissed the gesture, rejecting or downplaying it, a response the outlet described as typical.

It also criticised TSA (Tout sur l’Algérie), previously seen as a credible media source, accusing it of echoing regime narratives. TSA reportedly suggested the Royal overture was in anticipation of a potential shift in US policy, linked to a visit to Algiers by Massad Boulos,  Senior Advisor to the US President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs.

Four days later, Trump reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support for the autonomy plan, which the North Africa Post framed as a blow to Algerian “pro-regime propagandists and media outlets”.

The outlet further argued that supporters of the Algerian government and the Polisario remain in denial about Washington’s position, despite it being consistent since Trump’s original 2020 announcement and reaffirmation in April this year.

The North Africa Post concluded by framed Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a strategic offer – a “golden bridge” over which the Algerians may retreat through a strategically “graceful” Moroccan victory. This would allow Algeria to withdraw from its position without humiliation. It argued that Algeria’s continued rejection only deepens its diplomatic isolation.

The outlet also pointed to growing international support for Morocco’s position, including three permanent members of the Security Council, most of Africa and the Arab World and several key EU nations, claiming this momentum underlines Algeria’s increasing paralysis and marginalisation both regionally and globally.

The North Africa Post, Maghrebi