Algeria Condemns French Minister's Visit to Western Sahara

Rachida Dati's trip to the disputed territory sparks diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati visited Western Sahara, calling the trip 'historic' as the first by a French minister to the region.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is largely controlled by Morocco but claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeking independence.
Algeria criticized the visit as a violation of international law and accused France of supporting Morocco's claims over the disputed territory.
France's recent endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara marked a shift from its traditional support for UN-led resolutions, straining relations with Algeria.
The UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory, with plans for a referendum on self-determination remaining unfulfilled since 1991.