Morocco's Growing Support in the Face of Territorial Disputes
In recent developments, Morocco has garnered significant support from various Sub-Saharan nations, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and even Peru. Additionally, Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait have reaffirmed their backing for Morocco's claims over Western Sahara. This diplomatic momentum was underscored by Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Saïdou Zongo, who emphasized that Morocco’s proposed plan for the disputed territory provides a "basis for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable" resolution. This sentiment was echoed during the recent United Nations General Assembly sessions, where Burkina Faso's Foreign Affairs Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, reiterated the country's commitment to a UN-led negotiation process aimed at achieving a political solution in alignment with relevant Security Council resolutions.
Côte d’Ivoire’s UN Ambassador, Tiémoko Moriko, also praised the increasing international support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan, reinforcing his country’s steadfast commitment to this initiative. Similarly, Gabon's representative noted that Morocco's plan provides a credible foundation for a negotiated solution that respects the territorial integrity of Morocco. Over the past few months, as Morocco has pursued several economic initiatives, more countries have publicly sided with it against Algeria regarding the contested strip of land.
Recent Developments and International Backing
In the ongoing struggle for recognition and legitimacy, Morocco's strategic initiatives have seen support from Denmark and Greece, who formally backed the autonomy plan in September. This initiative envisions Western Sahara functioning as an "autonomous region within the Moroccan state," thereby granting it substantial administrative, political, and economic powers while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty. Furthermore, the United States has joined the chorus of support, announcing federal backing for a transformative green energy project in the region, which includes a proposed $4.5 billion green ammonia facility. This investment underscores the potential economic benefits that could arise from stability in the area.
The territorial dispute between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara has deep historical roots, making it one of Africa's longest-standing conflicts. This territory, which is comparable in size to the United Kingdom, has been a point of contention since the end of colonial rule when Morocco annexed it following Spain's withdrawal in 1975. The subsequent conflict resulted in approximately 9,000 fatalities over a span of 16 years. Although a UN-brokered ceasefire was established in 1991 with promises for a self-determination referendum, the vote has not yet occurred, and the fragile peace that lasted for nearly three decades crumbled in late 2020, heightening fears of renewed hostilities.
As reported by africa.businessinsider.com.
