UK Endorses Morocco's Autonomy Proposal for Western Sahara
The UK government shifts its stance on the Western Sahara territorial dispute, supporting Morocco's autonomy plan during a diplomatic visit.
The United Kingdom has officially endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, marking a significant change in Britain's long-standing position regarding a territorial dispute that has persisted for nearly five decades.
During a diplomatic visit to Rabat on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized Morocco's proposal, initially presented in 2007, as 'the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis' for resolving the conflict over this non-self-governing territory.
Historically, the UK had maintained that the status of Western Sahara was 'undetermined,' while advocating for 'self-determination' for its inhabitants, estimated at around 600,000 people.
The region is largely controlled by Morocco, but the Algeria-backed Polisario Front governs parts of the eastern territory and seeks full independence from Moroccan rule.
Under Morocco's autonomy plan, the region would remain under Moroccan sovereignty while acquiring a significant degree of self-governance.
This proposal has gained traction in recent years, notably following similar endorsements from the United States in 2020 and from France and Spain in subsequent years.
During the discussions held with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Lammy reaffirmed the UK's commitment to act bilaterally in supporting efforts to resolve the conflict through economic, regional, and international initiatives.
He stated, 'The UK will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support the resolution of the conflict.'
The territorial contention began in 1975 after Spain's withdrawal from its former colony, which led to an ongoing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations was established in 1991, accompanied by promises for a referendum on the territory's status, which has yet to be conducted.
Following a breakdown in negotiations, the Polisario Front declared the ceasefire over in 2020, citing violations by Morocco.
Algeria, a key regional actor and supporter of the Polisario Front, has previously voiced its disapproval of both Morocco's autonomy proposal and the backing it has received from the United States.
Following the endorsement, Bourita remarked on the importance of the UK’s support as part of a broader 'momentum to speed up the solution of the conflict.' He noted that discussions regarding British investments in the region were underway.
Additionally, both nations formalized cooperation agreements spanning various sectors, including healthcare, innovation, ports, water infrastructure, and procurement.
In reference to Morocco’s role as a co-host for the upcoming 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, Lammy highlighted that the new partnerships would enable 'British businesses to score big on football’s biggest stage.'
The United Nations continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement that would allow the people of Western Sahara to determine their future status, either through independence or integration with Morocco.
During a diplomatic visit to Rabat on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized Morocco's proposal, initially presented in 2007, as 'the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis' for resolving the conflict over this non-self-governing territory.
Historically, the UK had maintained that the status of Western Sahara was 'undetermined,' while advocating for 'self-determination' for its inhabitants, estimated at around 600,000 people.
The region is largely controlled by Morocco, but the Algeria-backed Polisario Front governs parts of the eastern territory and seeks full independence from Moroccan rule.
Under Morocco's autonomy plan, the region would remain under Moroccan sovereignty while acquiring a significant degree of self-governance.
This proposal has gained traction in recent years, notably following similar endorsements from the United States in 2020 and from France and Spain in subsequent years.
During the discussions held with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Lammy reaffirmed the UK's commitment to act bilaterally in supporting efforts to resolve the conflict through economic, regional, and international initiatives.
He stated, 'The UK will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support the resolution of the conflict.'
The territorial contention began in 1975 after Spain's withdrawal from its former colony, which led to an ongoing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations was established in 1991, accompanied by promises for a referendum on the territory's status, which has yet to be conducted.
Following a breakdown in negotiations, the Polisario Front declared the ceasefire over in 2020, citing violations by Morocco.
Algeria, a key regional actor and supporter of the Polisario Front, has previously voiced its disapproval of both Morocco's autonomy proposal and the backing it has received from the United States.
Following the endorsement, Bourita remarked on the importance of the UK’s support as part of a broader 'momentum to speed up the solution of the conflict.' He noted that discussions regarding British investments in the region were underway.
Additionally, both nations formalized cooperation agreements spanning various sectors, including healthcare, innovation, ports, water infrastructure, and procurement.
In reference to Morocco’s role as a co-host for the upcoming 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, Lammy highlighted that the new partnerships would enable 'British businesses to score big on football’s biggest stage.'
The United Nations continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement that would allow the people of Western Sahara to determine their future status, either through independence or integration with Morocco.
