UK Backs Moroccan Autonomy Plan as Credible Solution to Western Sahara Dispute
By Samuel Ahmadu
In a major diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom has officially endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the most credible, serious, and pragmatic framework for resolving the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara.
The endorsement was made public through a Joint Communiqué signed on Sunday in Rabat by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita.
According to the statement, the UK emphasized that it “follows closely the current positive dynamic” surrounding the issue, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The document further recognized the significance of the Western Sahara question to Morocco and asserted that resolving the regional dispute would bolster North African stability and enhance regional integration.
Reaffirming its diplomatic and economic engagement, the UK declared it would continue to act “bilaterally, including economically, regionally, and internationally,” in alignment with its new position. It also opened the door to supporting development projects in the region through the UK Export Finance’s £5 billion commitment aimed at expanding business opportunities across Morocco.
The communiqué underscores the UK’s recognition of Morocco as a strategic gateway to Africa’s socio-economic development and reiterates its commitment to deepening bilateral ties.
Both countries reiterated their support for the United Nations-led political process and expressed full backing for the efforts of UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura. The UK further expressed readiness to actively support the UN envoy and all parties in advancing towards a long-overdue resolution.
“As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom agrees with Morocco on the urgent need for a resolution in the interest of all parties involved,” the communiqué noted. “The time has come to move this issue forward.”
The UK’s endorsement adds significant weight to the growing international support behind Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, already backed by major powers including the United States, France, and Spain. It reflects increasing global consensus around Morocco’s sovereignty over the region and highlights the country’s central role in regional peace, economic integration, and development across Africa.
