BAMAKO: In a significant diplomatic shift, Mali announced on Friday its support for Morocco's initiative to establish Western Sahara as an autonomous region under Moroccan sovereignty, effectively retracting its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. This statement was made by Mali's Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, during a press conference alongside Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who characterized Mali's endorsement as a "historic" decision.
Western Sahara, once a Spanish colony, remains the only territory in Africa with an unresolved post-colonial status. The region has been a point of contention primarily between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a movement advocating for the rights of the indigenous Sahrawi people to hold a UN-monitored referendum on self-determination. Minister Diop highlighted that Mali views Morocco's autonomy proposal as the sole credible and serious framework for resolving the long-standing dispute, considering it the most pragmatic solution for the territory's future.
This change in Mali's foreign policy comes in the context of escalating tensions between Bamako and Algeria, a neighboring country that supports the Polisario Front's quest for independence. The historical rivalry between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara, a resource-rich expanse known for its phosphates and abundant marine life, has only intensified in recent years. Morocco has long advocated that the portion of Western Sahara under its control be recognized as an autonomous region, a stance that is increasingly gaining traction following a resolution from the UN Security Council in October 2025 that supported the Moroccan plan.
Previously, the UN Security Council had called for negotiations involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania to reach a comprehensive agreement. However, the recent endorsement from Mali signals a shift in regional dynamics and could have implications for the ongoing struggle for self-determination in Western Sahara. The evolving situation underscores the complexity of international diplomacy in the region.
As reported by arabnews.pk.
