International support for Morocco’s proposal on Western Sahara continued to grow during the latest United Nations General Assembly meetings, with several countries reaffirming their backing for the initiative as a path toward resolving one of North Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes.
The Morocco Sahara Autonomy Plan received renewed support from Burkina Faso and the United Arab Emirates, both of which described the proposal as a realistic framework for achieving a lasting political solution.
The Western Sahara issue has remained a major regional dispute for decades. Morocco considers the territory part of its sovereign land, while the Polisario Front seeks self-determination for the region and continues to receive support from Algeria.
During discussions at the United Nations, officials from Burkina Faso reiterated their support for efforts aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement under the framework of the UN process.
Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré said his country supports continued diplomatic efforts between the parties involved. He emphasized the importance of achieving a political solution through negotiations and in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.
The United Arab Emirates also reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s position.
UAE Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar expressed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He described the autonomy proposal as an important basis for achieving a sustainable political settlement.
The growing support reflects a broader trend among several countries that have publicly endorsed Morocco’s approach in recent years.
During assembly meetings and diplomatic discussions, a number of nations voiced support for the autonomy initiative. Countries expressing backing for the proposal included Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Armenia, Jamaica, Mauritius, Peru, Panama, Chile, and the United States.
Supporters argue that the autonomy plan offers a practical solution that could provide local governance while preserving Morocco’s territorial claims.
Morocco first presented the proposal in 2007. The initiative would establish an autonomous governing framework for the territory while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty.
Moroccan officials have consistently promoted the plan as a compromise solution capable of ending the dispute through political dialogue rather than prolonged confrontation.
The proposal has become a central element of Morocco’s diplomatic efforts and continues to receive attention during international forums.
While support for the initiative has expanded, opposition remains.
Algeria continues to reject Morocco’s position and maintains support for the Polisario Front. Algerian officials argue that the issue should be resolved through a process focused on self-determination.
Speaking during the United Nations General Assembly, Algerian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Attaf reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Polisario Front’s position.
He said Algeria believes questions involving decolonization should be resolved through internationally recognized principles rather than through political arrangements that bypass self-determination.
Algeria’s stance reflects a long-standing policy that has shaped regional relations for decades.
The disagreement between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara remains one of the most significant diplomatic issues in North Africa. The dispute has influenced political, economic, and security relations across the region and has often complicated efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.
Despite differing views, the United Nations continues to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a mutually acceptable political solution.
International observers note that growing support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal could influence future discussions, although any lasting settlement will likely require continued dialogue among all parties involved.
The issue remains highly sensitive because of its historical, political, and strategic importance.
As more countries publicly express support for Morocco’s initiative, attention is expected to remain focused on future diplomatic negotiations and the role of international organizations in facilitating a resolution.
For now, the Morocco Sahara Autonomy Plan continues to gain international backing, while Algeria and the Polisario Front maintain their opposition. The contrasting positions ensure that Western Sahara will remain an important topic in regional and global diplomacy as efforts continue to find a lasting solution to the dispute.
