UK Reaffirms Validity of Commercial Ties with Morocco in Sahara

Friday 09 August 2024 - 16:30

The newly elected British government has delivered a significant endorsement of Morocco's position on the Sahara dispute, affirming the legality of commercial activities between the UK and Morocco in the region.

In a recent response to a parliamentary question, Labour MP Hamish Falconer stated, "We do not consider commercial activities in Sahara to be illegal, provided they respect the interests of the Sahrawi people." This stance aligns with the previous government's approach, which had emphasized the preservation of cooperation agreements with Morocco, including the Association Agreement signed in 2019.

The Association Agreement aims to strengthen trade relations between the UK and Morocco, particularly in key sectors such as renewable energy and tourism, following the UK's departure from the European Union. This latest affirmation from the British government serves as a setback for the Polisario Front, the separatist group that has persistently challenged Morocco's territorial sovereignty over the Sahara.

The Polisario Front and its primary supporter, Algeria, have continued their lobbying efforts to undermine Morocco's control over the region. However, the new British government's stance mirrors a growing international momentum in support of Morocco's position.

In May 2023, a British court rejected an appeal request from a pro-Polisario non-governmental organization (NGO) against the Morocco-UK Association Agreement, further solidifying the legal validity of commercial activities in the Sahara.

Moreover, the French government recently joined the chorus of countries that have recognized Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most viable approach to resolving the long-standing dispute. The French government also acknowledged Morocco's full sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Sahara.

This reaffirmation from the British government serves as a significant boost for Morocco, as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Sahara conflict. The decision reinforces the legitimacy of commercial engagements in the region, providing a strong foundation for further economic cooperation between the UK and Morocco.