The Moroccan people will soon travel on the Donald Trump Highway. King Mohammed VI announced on August 1st that the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway would bear the name of the former US president.
This symbolic tribute honors what the king described as Donald Trump’s “historical recognition in 2020 of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara”. The 1,055-kilometer road is now the longest road infrastructure in Africa, according to official statements.
In a letter dated July 2nd, King Mohammed VI explained that the highway was renamed to reflect “this act of friendship and peace”.
Diplomatic milestones shaping the decision
The gesture follows a pivotal moment in 2020 when Donald Trump endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, in exchange for normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. The territory, a former Spanish colony, remains a contested region under Moroccan control but is classified as non-self-governing by the United Nations due to its phosphate wealth and valuable fishing waters.
In his own message marking the king’s 27th accession anniversary, Donald Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Morocco’s proposal for Western Sahara.
Symbolism in infrastructure and relations
The renaming of the Tiznit-Dakhla highway serves as a tangible reminder of the diplomatic breakthrough achieved six years ago. The road, spanning 1,055 kilometers, connects southern Morocco and stands as a testament to national progress while symbolizing international partnership.