The United Kingdom recently threw its weight behind Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, marking a significant development in the longstanding dispute over the region’s sovereignty. During a visit to Rabat, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed support for the plan, hailing it as “the most credible, viable and pragmatic” solution to the territorial conflict.
In a joint press conference, Lammy emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue, stating,
“The time for a resolution and to move this issue forward is long-overdue, and would strengthen the stability of North Africa.”
This endorsement underscores a shift in the UK’s position towards backing Morocco’s proposal for administering Western Sahara with a level of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
The history of Western Sahara dates back to 1975 when Spain relinquished its control over the territory. Since then, both Morocco and the Polisario Front—a pro-independence group supported by Algeria—have laid claim to sovereignty over the area. The United Nations recognizes Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and has been involved in efforts to facilitate a resolution through a referendum since 1991.
Morocco’s autonomy plan offers limited self-governance within Moroccan jurisdiction. Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s foreign minister, welcomed UK’s support as part of an accelerating momentum towards resolving the conflict. This move not only highlights diplomatic progress but also underscores growing international recognition of Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara.
Furthermore, bilateral relations between Britain and Morocco have strengthened with agreements encompassing various sectors including healthcare, innovation, port infrastructure, water management, and procurement. These collaborations signify mutual interests beyond political endorsements and aim at fostering broader cooperation between the two nations.
The United Kingdom joins other prominent nations like France and the United States in endorsing Morocco’s position on Western Sahara. While some European countries such as Spain and Germany also align with this perspective, Algeria has staunchly opposed these endorsements. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized UK’s support for what they deemed an “empty” autonomy plan that lacks substance in addressing the core issues surrounding Western Sahara.
Algeria urged Britain—as a permanent member of the UN Security Council—to hold Morocco accountable for its international obligations regarding Western Sahara. The differing views among key global players reflect complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding territorial disputes and regional alliances in North Africa.
As diplomatic dialogues continue to unfold around Western Sahara’s future status quo, each endorsement or critique shapes perceptions globally about how best to navigate conflicts rooted deeply in historical legacies while prioritizing peace-building initiatives among all parties involved.
