Mehdi El Fakir Confronts France 24 Over Distorted Map of Morocco
The map misleadingly and provocatively separated the Moroccan Sahara from the rest of the national territory.
El Fakir challenged the presenter, denouncing the channel's blatant disregard for Morocco's territorial integrity . He reminded the audience that France has repeatedly recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, with President Emmanuel Macron himself affirming this position.
Visibly surprised by the misleading map, El Fakir wasted no time in addressing the issue before proceeding with his analysis.
He urged the presenter to correct the error and respect France's official stance. This position was reiterated by Macron in a message to King Mohammed VI and reinforced by recent visits of high-ranking French officials to Morocco's southern provinces, including Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Senate President Gérard Larcher.
'I do not need to remind you of President Emmanuel Macron's speech,' El Fakir stated firmly, adding: 'Nor do I need to remind you of the recent visits by official French delegations to the southern provinces of Morocco.'
On July 30, President Emmanuel Macron addressed a letter to King Mohammed VI, expressing France's unequivocal support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.
According to the French president, Paris's position is that 'the present and future of Western Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.'
He reiterated that France's stance on the matter remains 'consistent and unwavering,' aligning with the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007.
France 24, a publicly funded channel, is expected to adhere to the French government's official position.
Yet, despite updating its map following Macron's visit—correctly depicting Morocco's full territory—the channel has now reverted to its old practices.
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