Canada Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as Credible Path to Resolve Western Sahara Dispute

Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Canada has formally recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a “credible and serious” basis for resolving the long-standing Western Sahara dispute, marking a significant diplomatic development amid increasing global backing for Rabat’s proposal.

The announcement was made following a phone conversation between Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, and Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita.

The move places Canada among a growing number of countries endorsing Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the most realistic pathway to ending the decades-old conflict. The plan proposes self-governance for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty and has steadily gained traction on the international stage.

Notably, the United States recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in 2020, a decision that has since encouraged similar positions from other nations. According to diplomatic sources, at least 120 countries now support Morocco’s autonomy framework.

Momentum has also been highlighted at the United Nations. Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, recently told the UN Security Council that ongoing diplomatic efforts present a “genuine” opportunity for progress.

During his briefing, de Mistura pointed to constructive consultations held in February, which helped clarify key parameters for a political settlement aligned with UN Security Council resolutions. He reiterated that the Moroccan Autonomy Plan is widely regarded within UN discussions as a serious and credible basis for negotiation, consistent with calls for a pragmatic and sustainable solution.

Support for Morocco’s proposal has also expanded across Europe and Africa. The European Union bloc adopted a unified stance in January backing the autonomy plan, while several African nations have either expressed support or withdrawn recognition of the separatist Polisario Front.

Most recently, Mali revoked its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and described Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the only credible framework to resolve the dispute.

The Western Sahara issue remains one of North Africa’s most enduring geopolitical challenges. However, with increasing international alignment and renewed diplomatic engagement, observers suggest that conditions may now be more favorable than in previous years for a negotiated settlement.