The Trump administration’s proposal to relocate Palestinians to Morocco, Puntland, or Somaliland is a continuation of Western colonial practices that seek to erase Palestinian identity and undermine sovereignty, Egyptian researcher Mariam Abdel-Hay Ali Farag told Sputnik Africa.
According to her, the idea mirrors historical forced displacements and serves American and Israeli interests rather than offering a real solution to the Palestinian issue.
“Trump's statements to transfer Palestinians to Morocco or Somaliland confirm the continuation of the American colonial pattern where solutions that were imposed did not suit the reality of the target peoples in order to erase their identity and undermine their sovereignty,” Farag stated.
She emphasized that such proposals disregard Palestinian historical and cultural rights and align with broader efforts by the US to settle the Palestinian issue in Israel’s favor.
The researcher also suggested that Washington is exploiting economic and political vulnerabilities in Africa to advance its own geopolitical agenda.
“America's support for these areas may be an attempt to impose plans for the displacement of Palestinians as part of political and economic deals with the countries concerned,” she noted.
Somaliland, for instance, has long sought US recognition of its independence from Somalia, and accepting Palestinian resettlement could be used as leverage in negotiations with Washington.
Beyond the Palestinian cause, Farag believes this proposal is part of a larger Western strategy to maintain influence in the Middle East and Africa.
“There is no doubt that this proposal can be considered part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting Western dominance over the region,” she said, adding that Washington could use economic and political pressure to force regional actors into compliance.
Ultimately, the plan to relocate Palestinians is seen not as a humanitarian effort but as another tool for US interference in African and Middle Eastern affairs. Farag warned that such policies further entrench Western influence while disregarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.