In his foreword to the book, to be released on Thursday, former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero praises "a magnificent work that presents all the beauty and complexity of the Sahara," congratulating the author on the "singularly interesting" historical approach to the Sahara that he proposes to the reader, leading on to a description of the richness and diversity of the region, its multiple economic and social possibilities, and its often overlooked dynamism.

Reaffirming that the Moroccan autonomy proposal is "the most serious, credible, and realistic basis, always under the auspices of the United Nations, for finding a mutually acceptable solution" to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, Zapatero stresses that this region is "full of possibilities, and we must, as friends of Morocco, work for its prosperity."

The 352-page, magnificently illustrated book offers a fresh look at the Sahara and its current development dynamic. The author presents himself as an "observer" of public policies who discovers the scale of the achievements contributing to the better living of local populations.

The book begins by tracing the history of this geographical area back to its millennia-old origins before outlining the current situation in the light of advanced regionalization, emphasizing that the Sahara is now a land of growth, social inclusion, and regional solidarity.

It highlights the importance of the road, airport, and port infrastructure that have been built, as well as the region's potential in terms of renewable energies and the development of green hydrogen.

The book focuses on the impact of large-scale projects such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port, which is set to play an important role in the transport of green electricity, making Dakhla an Atlantic hub and a leader in a prosperous Africa.

During the debate, moderated by the President of the Swiss Press Club, Isabelle Falconnier, the author explained that, far from being academic research, the book is the fruit of fascinating exchanges and interactions with the inhabitants of the Sahara, offering an opportunity to discover, in all modesty and independence, this "land of light and future."

Exchanges with the audience shed further light on the changes taking place in the southern provinces, reflecting the development dynamic throughout Morocco.

“In the span of 25 years, the Kingdom has made a development leap of 50 years,” he affirmed, stressing that taking into account the interests of the population is the guiding principle behind the public policies promoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Other speakers among the associative actors present enriched the debate with perspectives and clarifications, notably on the ethnic, cultural, and spiritual links that have always existed between the inhabitants of the Sahara and the populations of the rest of Morocco.

“Diversity is a factor that unites us more than it differentiates us,” stressed Aïcha Douihi, President of the International Observatory on Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights, who is originally from the southern provinces.

Jean-Marie Heydt is a teacher-researcher, observer, and international expert for public organizations. He is the author of several books, including “Mohammed VI, A King's Vision: Actions and Ambitions” (Editions Favre, 2019).