France’s divided map of Morocco sparks diplomatic debate

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has ignited controversy by sharing a divided map of Morocco on his Instagram account, just months after announcing a shift in how France represents Morocco’s borders in its official communications.

The map, which separates Morocco from the Sahara, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about France’s diplomatic stance. In October, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs published a full map of Morocco, including the disputed Sahara, on its official website, signaling apparent alignment with Morocco’s sovereignty claims.

The Instagram post has led to speculation about whether the move was an unintentional oversight or a calculated decision. If accidental, it points to a lack of attention to detail, undermining the consistency of France’s diplomatic messaging. If deliberate, it suggests an ongoing ambiguity in France’s approach to Morocco and the Sahara issue.

The timing of the controversy is particularly notable. Months earlier, Barrot had announced plans to send a French ambassador to Sahara to enhance consular presence. This move was widely interpreted as reinforcing France’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.

During a press conference in Rabat, following a meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Barrot emphasized France’s support for a “just and lasting political solution” to the Sahara conflict. He described Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Plan as “the only basis” for resolving the dispute, echoing similar sentiments expressed by French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent visit to Morocco.

Macron’s statements reaffirmed Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces and were met with approval from Moroccan officials and diplomats. The French president also endorsed the Autonomy Plan as the sole viable framework for achieving a resolution.

In this context, Barrot’s decision to share a divided map has fueled speculation about potential shifts in France’s position or deeper inconsistencies in its messaging. While the intent behind the post remains unclear, Morocco has reiterated its unwavering stance: the Sahara is an integral part of its territory, regardless of changing foreign narratives.

For Rabat, sovereignty over the region is non-negotiable, and France’s actions—whether intentional or not—will continue to be scrutinized for their alignment with Morocco’s territorial integrity.