The U.S. decision to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has drawn criticism from the U.N. as well as American allies in Africa and beyond. The State Department has said the United States will open a consulate in Western Sahara following President Donald Trump''s decision to recognise Morocco''s sovereignty over the disputed region. It was not immediately clear when or where it would be open but until then Mr. Pompeo said the U.S. Embassy in Rabat would operate a virtual consulate to serve Western Sahara. Recognising Western Sahara was a reversal of decades of U.S. policy and the move has been heavily criticised, not least by those in Western Sahara who have fought for independence and want a referendum on the territory’s future. The U.S. decision to recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has drawn criticism from the U.N. as well as American allies in Africa and beyond.

Source: The Hindu December 25, 2020 01:03 UTC