French textbooks feature undivided Morocco map for new school year

French school textbooks for the 2024 academic year have started featuring a complete map of Morocco, including its southern provinces. 

This change marks a significant shift in France’s stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, signaling a clear recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory. 

The inclusion of the complete Moroccan map in French textbooks has generated significant buzz within the Moroccan community in France. 

Images shared on social media platforms show various textbooks depicting Morocco with its full territorial boundaries, including the Moroccan Sahara region. 

This development aligns with recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, during the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, affirmed that “the present and future of the Moroccan Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.” 

This declaration was widely interpreted as a strong endorsement of Morocco’s position on the Moroccan Sahara issue.

The integration of the complete Moroccan map into French school textbooks reflects a broader shift in international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara. 

It also underscores the success of Morocco’s diplomatic strategy, which has focused on constructive dialogue and sustained engagement rather than grandstanding.

By including the complete map of Morocco, France aims to educate a new generation about the geographic and political realities of the region. This move is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between France and Morocco in the long term.

This development is not isolated to France. Several other countries have also expressed support for Morocco’s position on the Moroccan Sahara. 

The United States Institute for Peace, for example, has stated that the decision by France to end its neutrality on the Sahara issue reflects and reinforces a growing international consensus in favor of Morocco’s sovereignty claims.