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Moroccan Sahrawis urge Mauritanian consulate in Laayoune to ease residents’ access
A delegation representing Moroccan Sahrawi tribes recently met with Mauritania’s ambassador to Morocco, Ahmed Ould Bahya, delivering a formal request for the establishment of a Mauritanian consulate in Laayoune. The meeting, which coincided with Mauritania’s 65th independence anniversary, aimed to address the needs of thousands of Mauritanians living in Morocco’s southern provinces.
The delegation emphasized the humanitarian and social benefits of opening a consulate in Laayoune, particularly for dual-nationality Mauritanian citizens who face significant travel costs and administrative hurdles when accessing consular services. The ambassador assured the delegation that he would promptly convey their request to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.
Linking diplomacy to sovereignty and development
The request aligns with Morocco’s growing assertion of sovereignty over its southern provinces, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2797 as the legal basis for the autonomy plan under Moroccan jurisdiction. This comes amid increasing international recognition of Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the framework for resolving the Sahara dispute.
Currently, around 30 countries operate diplomatic missions in Laayoune or Dakhla. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, announced plans to establish a consulate in Sahara, reaffirming Morocco’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Morocco continues to strengthen infrastructure in its southern provinces. In the coming weeks, the Amgala-Bir Oum Grine border crossing with Mauritania is set to open, following the completion of a 93-kilometer road connecting Smara to Mauritania. This development adds a second border point alongside Guerguerat, with the project costing MAD 49.7 million ($4.97 million).
Mauritania’s recalibration: distancing from Polisario
The consulate request follows Mauritania’s rejection of the Polisario Front’s repeated attempts to establish diplomatic representation in Nouakchott. This marks a clear shift in Mauritania’s approach, signaling a growing alignment with Morocco and a decreasing tolerance for the separatist group’s demands.
Mauritania’s strategic pivot toward Morocco is driven by pragmatic considerations, including security concerns and economic opportunities. The country has faced challenges such as cross-border terrorism and destabilizing activities linked to separatist movements, prompting a reassessment of its regional alliances.
This diplomatic realignment gained momentum after the December 2024 meeting between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Ould Ghazouani in Casablanca. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to joint strategic projects, such as the African-Atlantic gas pipeline, and initiatives aimed at enhancing Sahel states’ access to Atlantic trade routes.
Reinforcing Morocco’s position
Mauritania’s shift underscores Morocco’s uncontested legitimacy in its southern regions while isolating separatist movements that rely on outdated narratives and external backing. The growing collaboration between Morocco and Mauritania reflects a shared vision for stability, prosperity, and mutual benefit in the region.
As the Sahrawi delegation’s request highlights pressing administrative and social needs, it also reinforces the broader narrative of Morocco’s sovereignty and its role as a key partner for regional development.
