It was from Laâyoune that King Mohammed VI rolled out on Friday his programme for Western Sahara. It is, according to the king, about adopting a “new methodology” which will permit “to strengthen the influence of the Sahara, as an economic centre and as a link between Morocco and its African extension”, he declared, wanting “a split” from windfall policies, centralised administration and failure on private initiative which have prevailed until now.

Mohammed VI thus promised more social justice, more respect for the principles of equality, more equity and more transparency.

He also explained its investments programme including among others an expressway between Tiznit, Laâyoune and Dakhla, an air transport hub to serve Africa, a railway line from Tangiers to Lagouira, thus linking Morocco to Africa.

The programme also includes a big Atlantic port in Dakhla, a sea water desalination plant, also in Dakhla, as well as big solar and wind power projects.

The Moroccan state will guarantee, according to this programme, a legal framework full of incentives for investment, as well equipment and cultural infrastructure.