Algeria urges Spain to reassess support for Morocco's Sahara autonomy plan

Friday 28 March 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Algeria urges Spain to reassess support for Morocco's Sahara autonomy plan

Algeria is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to persuade Spain to reconsider its backing of Morocco's autonomy plan for Sahara. During a recent meeting with Spain’s ambassador to Algeria, Fernando Moran, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s representative, Ibrahim Boughali, called on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to abandon the pro-Moroccan stance adopted by his government in 2022.

Boughali expressed regret over Spain’s abrupt shift in position regarding the Sahara issue, urging Madrid to revert to its historically neutral approach. He suggested enhancing parliamentary relations between the two nations, as reported by Algerian media.

Despite Algeria's diplomatic overtures, Spain has shown no inclination to alter its stance. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reiterated earlier this month that Madrid remains committed to its established roadmap with Morocco.

Algerian media have hinted at potential doubts within Spain regarding its position on Sahara; however, the facts suggest otherwise. The joint declaration signed by Spain and Morocco on April 7, 2022, explicitly recognizes Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the "most serious, realistic, and credible basis" for resolving the dispute.

Moreover, Spain continues to affirm its intention to strengthen bilateral relations with Morocco. Albares reaffirmed this commitment just days after President Tebboune discussed “normalizing” ties with Spain.

Algeria’s persistent lobbying efforts indicate a lack of success in altering Spain’s position. The ongoing dissatisfaction from Algeria underscores the ineffectiveness of its strategy to counter the Spanish government's support for Morocco's autonomy plan. As it stands, Madrid remains steadfast in its endorsement of Morocco's proposal and its commitment to a robust partnership with Rabat.

In recent developments, Morocco has gained significant diplomatic traction and international support concerning the Sahara issue, particularly following France's endorsement of the autonomy plan last year.