CIA’s publication of Morocco’s full map sends clear political messages as Trump returns, experts say

On the eve of Donald Trump’s return to the White House following his victory over former President Joe Biden, the CIA updated Morocco’s profile on its official website, featuring a full map of the kingdom, including the Moroccan Sahara.

Alongside the map, the agency reminded readers that “in 2020, the United States recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco,” a move seen by observers as reaffirming Trump’s position on the issue after Biden’s term, which saw no significant progress or reversals on the matter.

In this regard, political analyst Mohamed Omrani Boukhabza explained that the CIA’s publication of a full map of Morocco,just before President Trump took office,“carries clear political messages,” stressing that this action isn’t random, but aligns with Trump’s administration stance on the Moroccan Sahara.

Omrani Boukhabza added that this step “reflects the U.S. position, one that both Democratic and Republican administrations have increasingly supported, and reinforces efforts to speed up developments in this conflict.”

He also pointed out that the message behind this publication “demands quick and effective action from Moroccan diplomacy to strengthen its cooperation with the U.S. The current alignment between Morocco and the United States offers a chance to push for further positive changes in the Sahara issue, especially in response to Algeria’s ambitions and its supporters.”

Boukhabza believes that 2025 “needs to be the year where these ambitions are decisively ended.”

The political analyst noted that “Algeria is closely watching what President Trump might do next, which makes it essential for Morocco to seize this opportunity and act firmly to solidify its international position, taking advantage of this important political signal.”

For his part, political analyst Lahcen Aqartit noted that the publication of Morocco’s full map on the CIA’s website “reflects the U.S.’s clear commitment to its previously stated position, showing that this stance has now been firmly embedded within American federal institutions, including its security and national bodies.”

Aqartit explained in a statement to Hespress AR that this message is “directed squarely at Algeria and the Polisario Front,” adding that the Trump administration “will solidify the U.S. stance first announced in 2020, during the trilateral agreement between Morocco, Israel, and the United States.”

He also pointed out that “this agreement was followed by the U.S. ambassador in Morocco presenting a full map of the kingdom to King Mohammed VI.”

The expert also mentioned that Trump’s return to the White House will push forward the expected changes, including the possible opening of a U.S. consulate in the Moroccan Sahara.

Aqartit concluded that the CIA’s publication of this map “underscores the strength of the message, as the agency is one of the most influential federal institutions in the U.S. political system, playing a key role in foreign affairs.”