The United Kingdom Strengthens Its Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara

Sunday 01 June 2025 - 16:19

By: Zahouani Ilham

The United Kingdom Strengthens Its Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed, through a joint statement signed in Rabat, its strong support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007, which it considers “the most credible, realistic, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

This clear position was expressed during the visit to Rabat by David Lammy, UK Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, who co-signed the statement with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.

The statement emphasizes that the United Kingdom is closely following the positive momentum driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, while recognizing the strategic importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco. London believes that resolving this regional dispute would enhance stability in North Africa and promote stronger regional cooperation.

In a strong signal of its economic commitment, the UK also indicated that UK Export Finance may support economic projects in Morocco’s southern provinces, as part of a broader initiative to mobilize £5 billion for development projects in the country. This initiative reinforces the UK’s stance that economic development is a key driver for peace and stability in the region.

The declaration highlights the shared desire of both countries to deepen their strategic partnership, underlining that Morocco is seen by the UK as a “key gateway” for socio-economic development across the African continent.

Furthermore, both sides reaffirmed their support for the UN-led political process, particularly the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura. The UK confirmed its readiness and commitment to actively support the envoy and the parties involved in seeking a negotiated solution.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK shares Morocco’s view on the urgent need to find a lasting solution to this regional conflict. “The time has come to move forward on this issue,” the statement affirms, emphasizing the benefits of a durable resolution for regional stability and Maghreb integration.

This latest British position adds to growing international support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, confirming its credibility and the broad consensus it enjoys. It also marks a significant step in the strengthening of Moroccan-British relations, both diplomatically and economically.