Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara gathers diplomatic momentum

This week it was Finland, last week France, several months ago it was Spain and of course a few years ago it was the USA. All part of a growing number of countries, over 60 in fact, that are supporting Morocco’s 2007 plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty as a way of resolving a long-running dispute over the territory.

In a letter sent last week by French President Macron to Morocco's King Mohammed VI: "for France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved.” The letter went on to say: “our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and constant. For France, it now constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council."

If France’s latest endorsement was a game changer Finland was equally important. This week Finland announced in a communiqué that it “considers the autonomy plan presented in 2007 as a serious and credible contribution to the UN-led political process and as a good basis for a solution agreed upon between the parties.” The joint communiqué went onto say that it supports the "political process aimed at achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution". 

Clearly Finland's new position must be measured over time. Indeed, it marks a substantial change compared to the positions held by this country in the past, which was content to support the efforts of the United Nations. Also, Finland becomes the first Nordic country to formally support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. It is a diplomatic breakthrough in this region as Finland's new position could strengthen the momentum within the European Union. It is in fact the 17th EU member country to support autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. 

The Moroccan autonomy initiative presents a credible perspective that includes self-government and can be adapted to multiple situations. The international community’s support for this initiative is significant, marking a milestone for Moroccan diplomacy in addressing the long-standing case of the Moroccan Sahara conflict. This initiative illustrates Morocco’s dedication to its national interests and territorial integrity. 

It is also emblematic of Morocco’s growing influence not just in North Africa but as a diplomatic and economic gateway for Africa and the Middle East. Morocco is uniquely placed with multiple cultures and languages spoken that include Arabic, French and English. The diplomatic skies have no limit!  

*Kieran Baker is an Emmy award winning journalist who has started up various networks including Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg TV Africa and TRT World.