On Sunday, the United Kingdom became the latest country to support Morocco’s plan for autonomy in Western Sahara, a region long disputed between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front. During a visit to Rabat, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the autonomy plan as “the most credible, viable and pragmatic” solution to the ongoing conflict over the territory’s sovereignty.
What the UK Said About the Plan
David Lammy said resolving the dispute was “long-overdue” and that doing so would help bring stability to North Africa. He also emphasized the UK’s continued support for the United Nations-led process aimed at settling the conflict. Lammy urged Morocco to provide more details on what autonomy within the Moroccan state could mean for Western Sahara, showing a willingness to engage further in negotiations.
Background of the Western Sahara Dispute
Western Sahara has been disputed since 1975 when Spain left the territory. Morocco claims sovereignty over most of the region, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, fights for independence. The United Nations considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory and has maintained a peacekeeping mission since 1991 to hold a referendum for its people to decide their future. However, this referendum has yet to take place, and Morocco currently controls almost all of the territory.
Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal
Morocco proposed a plan in 2007 to give Western Sahara limited self-rule while remaining part of the Moroccan state. This autonomy plan is seen by Morocco and now the UK as a practical way to end the dispute without full independence for Western Sahara.
International Support and Reactions
The UK’s endorsement adds to growing international backing for Morocco’s position. It is the third permanent member of the UN Security Council to support the plan, following the United States in 2020 and France last year. Other European countries like Spain and Germany also support Morocco’s claim. Meanwhile, Algeria strongly opposes this support. Algeria’s Foreign Ministry described the autonomy plan as “empty of content” and criticized the UK’s decision, urging the UK to hold Morocco accountable for its responsibilities.
Strengthening UK-Morocco Relations
Alongside supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan, the UK and Morocco have strengthened ties in security and trade. They signed several cooperation agreements in healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, and procurement, showing a broad partnership beyond the political issue of Western Sahara.
The UK’s decision to back Morocco’s autonomy plan marks a significant shift in its stance on the Western Sahara conflict, aligning with other major world powers. While the plan offers a way to move forward, tensions remain high as Algeria continues to oppose the agreement. The situation remains complex, but international support like the UK’s may push for progress toward a peaceful resolution that stabilizes the region and benefits its people.
