U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan has renewed emphasis on the strength of ties between Rabat and Washington in a new post on X that carried political significance beyond its diplomatic tone, amid continued American signals backing Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
In a message shared following his recent visit to Dakhla, Buchan described his first trip to the city as “unforgettable,” citing not only its beauty but also the “warmth, generosity, and kindness” of the people he met there.
“As the United States and Morocco celebrate nearly 250 years of friendship, this visit was a reminder that the strongest partnerships are built on human connection, shared experiences, and hope for the future,” the ambassador wrote, thanking residents for their warm welcome.
While the post adopted an emotional and human tone, its political implications appeared to go beyond a routine diplomatic message, particularly as it came only days after a visit that sparked strong reactions within the Polisario Front.
The separatist group reacted critically to the ambassador’s trip to Dakhla, viewing the move as another indication of what it described as Washington’s continued alignment with Morocco on the Sahara issue.
The latest message also comes amid a broader series of recent American signals reflecting continued adherence to the U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, first announced in 2020.
Observers say Washington is increasingly translating that position into diplomatic and on-the-ground engagement through a growing presence in Morocco’s southern provinces.
During his previous visit to Dakhla, Buchan delivered a more explicit political message when he wrote on X: “I was in Dakhla yesterday where American and Moroccan doctors stood side by side providing medical care to the people of the Moroccan Sahara.”
In the same post, the U.S. ambassador added: “Meanwhile, those against peace launched missiles at civilian infrastructure,” marking one of the clearest American reactions to the recent attacks targeting the city of Smara.
The remarks represented a notable shift in tone, directly linking the military escalation led by the Polisario Front to threats against regional stability.
Buchan’s comments were also consistent with the position expressed by the U.S. mission to the United Nations, which condemned the attacks and warned that such actions undermine peace efforts and complicate the UN-led political process.
By combining his visit to Dakhla, his condemnation of the Smara attacks, and his latest post highlighting the depth of Moroccan-American ties, the ambassador appeared to reinforce a broader message that U.S. engagement in the Sahara extends beyond formal political support.
The developments suggest Washington increasingly views the region as part of its wider strategic partnership with Morocco, encompassing political, humanitarian, developmental, and symbolic dimensions.
The latest American messages also come amid growing international opposition to renewed military escalation in the region, following condemnations of the Smara attack from the United Nations, Arab countries, and several Western and African capitals.
