Morocco’s proposal for autonomy in the disputed Western Sahara region secured significant international backing during the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York. The initiative, spearheaded by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, garnered formal endorsements from Mauritius, Jamaica, and Chile, marking a pivotal shift in global diplomatic perspectives on the decades-old conflict. The momentum followed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which underscored the need for a negotiated settlement to the territorial dispute. Bourita emphasized the plan’s viability during high-level discussions, framing it as a pragmatic path to stability in the region.
Mauritius announced a policy reversal after the resolution’s passage, with Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful stating the government now views autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the 'most credible, realistic, and sustainable solution.' This aligns with the UN’s broader framework for resolving the conflict, which has seen limited progress since the 1991 ceasefire. Jamaica echoed this stance, with Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith affirming that 'genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty constitutes the most feasible solution.' Both nations also pledged to enhance political dialogue and bilateral cooperation, signaling a strategic realignment in their foreign policies toward the region.
Chile further bolstered Morocco’s position by reaffirming its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the entire territory, including the Sahara. Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna and President José Antonio Kast highlighted the 2007 autonomy proposal as a 'just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.' The South American nation also committed to expanding economic ties, with officials signing Terms of Reference to initiate negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement. These moves reflect a growing diplomatic and economic convergence between Morocco and Chile, driven by shared interests in regional stability and trade expansion.
The evolving international consensus underscores the shifting dynamics in the Western Sahara dispute, with key allies reinforcing Morocco’s narrative of self-determination within its territorial boundaries. Analysts note that the endorsements from Mauritius, Jamaica, and Chile could influence future UN deliberations and regional negotiations. However, the Polisario Front, which advocates for Sahrawi independence, has yet to publicly respond to the latest developments. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the focus remains on whether these commitments will translate into tangible progress toward a lasting resolution for the conflict’s 400,000 displaced residents and the broader North African region.