Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia has reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region. This position aligns with Morocco’s territorial integrity and its proposed autonomy plan, which has been gaining increasing international backing. The reaffirmation of support highlights the strengthening relations between the two nations and underlines the shifting geopolitical dynamics in North Africa.
The Western Sahara issue has been a long-standing territorial dispute between Morocco and the separatist Polisario Front, which is backed by Algeria. Morocco has consistently maintained that the region is an integral part of its territory and has proposed an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the most realistic and viable solution.
Saudi Arabia’s Official Stance
Saudi Arabia has taken a firm position in favor of Morocco’s claims. The Saudi Arabian Royal Court recently issued a directive requiring all government entities to refrain from using the term “Western Sahara” in official documents and communications. Instead, all official maps and references must depict the full, undivided Moroccan territory, including the Sahara region.
This directive extends to various institutions, including the Ministry of Education, which has instructed schools and universities to adopt this policy. This move signals a nationwide commitment to recognizing Morocco’s territorial claims and reflects Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and political alignment with Rabat.
Saudi Arabia’s support is not new, but the latest actions reinforce its long-standing position. In October 2024, at a session of the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, the Saudi representative strongly reaffirmed the kingdom’s backing of Morocco’s autonomy initiative. The diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia fully supports Morocco’s territorial integrity and rejects any actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty.
This declaration was seen as a clear message to the international community, particularly to Algeria and the Polisario Front, which continue to challenge Morocco’s sovereignty over the region.
Regional and International Implications
Saudi Arabia’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco comes amid a broader trend of countries endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Over the past few years, several influential nations have shifted their stance in favor of Morocco.
In October 2024, King Mohammed VI of Morocco highlighted key diplomatic victories, including support from the United States, Spain, and France. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, was the first major power to officially recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2020.
France, a long-time ally of Morocco, took a significant step in 2024 when President Emmanuel Macron publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan. This marked a major shift in France’s policy, distancing itself from previous neutrality and aligning with Morocco’s stance.
Spain, the former colonial ruler of Western Sahara, also shifted its position in 2022, openly supporting Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “the most serious, realistic, and credible” solution to the long-standing dispute.
The increased international support for Morocco has further isolated the Polisario Front and its backer, Algeria, which continues to call for a referendum on self-determination. However, the UN-led negotiations have struggled to gain momentum due to Algeria’s firm opposition to Morocco’s autonomy plan.
Background of the Western Sahara Dispute
The Western Sahara conflict dates back to the 1970s when Spain withdrew from the region. Morocco immediately asserted its claim over the territory, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, declared an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
In 1991, a UN-brokered ceasefire ended active hostilities, with the promise of a referendum on self-determination. However, disagreements over voter eligibility and Morocco’s insistence on autonomy rather than independence stalled the process.
Since then, Morocco has pursued an extensive diplomatic strategy to gain international recognition for its claim over Western Sahara. Its autonomy plan, first introduced in 2007, proposes giving the region significant self-governing powers while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty. This proposal has received growing support from various nations and international organizations.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation Between Saudi Arabia and Morocco
Beyond political and diplomatic support, Saudi Arabia and Morocco continue to strengthen their economic and strategic cooperation. The two nations share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, and their economic partnership has been expanding in recent years.
In January 2024, a high-level business meeting was held in Riyadh between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and the Federation of Saudi Chambers. The discussions focused on exploring new investment opportunities and enhancing economic collaboration between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia has been one of Morocco’s key economic partners, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, tourism, and agriculture. Moroccan exports to Saudi Arabia have been growing, and the two countries are working on new agreements to facilitate trade and investment.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in supporting Morocco’s development projects in the Sahara region, which Morocco has been investing heavily in. Over the past decade, Morocco has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure, transportation, and renewable energy projects to develop the region and integrate it into the national economy.
The Global Perspective on Western Sahara
The international community remains divided on the Western Sahara issue. While many influential nations now support Morocco’s autonomy plan, others continue to advocate for a referendum on self-determination.
The African Union (AU) remains a key player in the conflict, as it officially recognizes the SADR, which Morocco strongly opposes. However, Morocco rejoined the AU in 2017 after leaving the organization in 1984 in protest of its recognition of the SADR. Since then, Morocco has been working to shift the AU’s stance in its favor.
The United Nations continues to lead efforts to find a political solution, with its envoy, Staffan de Mistura, holding discussions with Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania. However, a breakthrough remains elusive due to deep-rooted political tensions.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s latest reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara solidifies its diplomatic stance and strengthens its alliance with Morocco. As more countries align with Morocco’s autonomy plan, the possibility of resolving the long-standing conflict through a negotiated settlement appears more likely.
With growing international recognition of Morocco’s claims and ongoing economic development efforts in the Sahara region, the momentum seems to be shifting in favor of Morocco’s vision for the future of Western Sahara.
Whether this leads to a lasting resolution depends on continued diplomatic efforts, regional stability, and the willingness of the international community to support a realistic and sustainable solution to the conflict.
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