In recent days, several Algerian media outlets have attempted to spread false claims that Morocco was excluded from the Panama International Book Fair for political reasons linked to the Western Sahara issue. In reality, the situation on the ground was entirely different.
In a major shift in its stance, Panama has recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This marks a new direction in Panama City's position, following its decision to suspend relations with the Polisario and its support for the autonomy proposal as outlined by Morocco.
Britain recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces as early as 1721 through a peace treaty that acknowledged Sultan Moulay Ismail’s rule over the Sahara. This recognition was reaffirmed in a later agreement, the 1895 Anglo-Moroccan treaty, which explicitly stated that the lands between Wad Draa and Cape Bojador belong to Morocco.