France backs Morocco's autonomy plan for disputed Western Sahara

In a marked departure from its historic position, France moved on Tuesday to recognise Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, dealing a blow to the the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which claims it is an independent state. In a letter addressed to Morocco's King Mohammed VI and made public Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara was the "only basis" to solve the conflict, joining the United States, Israel, Spain and a growing number of African countries in backing the plan.