Zambia $ Senegal have once again voiced their steadfast support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara. This unified stance not only underscores the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the “only credible, serious, and realistic solution” to the regional dispute, but also significantly bolsters Morocco’s position on the international stage.
Zambia Reaffirm Support for Morocco
On May 24, 2024, Zambia’s Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, expressed his country’s “full support” for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan during talks with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita. In a joint communiqué issued after their discussions, Haimbe underlined the relevance of the autonomy plan and commended the United Nations’ efforts as the exclusive framework for reaching a practical and lasting solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. Bourita welcomed Zambia’s position, highlighting the positive development in relations between the two countries, which have been strengthened by the opening of Zambia’s Embassy in Rabat and its General Consulate in Laâyoune in October 2020. Zambia also participated in the Ministerial Conference in January 2021, which was held to support the Autonomy Initiative under the sovereignty of Morocco, at the invitation of the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.
Senegal Moroccan Relations
Similarly, on May 27, 2024, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, during her first visit to Morocco in her new role, reaffirmed Senegal’s “constant and firm” support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara. During her talks with Nasser Bourita, a joint communiqué was issued in which she emphasized the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the sole credible and realistic solution for resolving the Moroccan Sahara conflict. She also praised the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive framework for achieving a realistic, practical, and lasting solution. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening the diplomatic ties between Senegal and Morocco.
The robust bilateral relations between Morocco and both Zambia and Senegal have been further solidified by the establishment of diplomatic representations. Zambia’s opening of its Embassy in Rabat and a General Consulate in Laâyoune in October 2020, and its participation in the Ministerial Conference supporting the Autonomy Initiative in January 2021, are testament to the growing solidarity and active cooperation between these African nations. Similarly, Senegal’s commitment to its alliance with Morocco was demonstrated by the opening of a consulate general in Dakhla on April 5, 2021. These diplomatic achievements underscore the strengthening ties between Morocco, Zambia, and Senegal.
These developments mark significant progress in Morocco’s diplomatic relations, reinforcing support for its territorial claims and the proposed autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara. Zambia and Senegal’s consistent backing highlights the growing recognition of Morocco’s efforts to find a sustainable and realistic solution to the regional conflict, further solidifying its position on the international stage.
Zambia & Senegal Reaffirm Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan- Zambia & Senegal Reaffirm Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan
