Colombia Shifts Stance on Western Sahara Conflict
In a significant diplomatic shift, Colombia has officially changed its position regarding the Western Sahara conflict by recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory. Concurrently, Colombia has withdrawn its diplomatic recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). This development was announced on Friday during the inauguration of the new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella in Cali. The announcement was made during a meeting that included Colombia's Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who was in Colombia representing King Mohammed VI.
A New Beginning in Bilateral Relations
Foreign Minister Bula Escobar emphasized during the meeting that Colombia acknowledges Morocco's sovereignty over the region. Vice President Restrepo described this moment as a "new beginning" in bilateral relations, stating that Morocco is Colombia's primary ally on the African continent. The objective is to build a close partnership, leveraging both nations as economic platforms for Latin America and Africa. Bourita characterized Bogotá's policy reversal as "historic," asserting that the withdrawal of recognition for the SADR creates a new foundation for deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
This decision marks a complete turnaround for the new administration under President de la Espriella, distancing itself from the previous government of Gustavo Petro, which had resumed diplomatic relations with the Polisario Front in August 2022. Colombia's current stance aligns with a growing number of countries that have adjusted their positions in the Western Sahara dispute in favor of Morocco in recent years.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
