Colombia Recognizes Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Marking Major Diplomatic Shift
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Colombia has officially changed its position on the Western Sahara dispute, recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory and withdrawing its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), according to statements made during a high-level meeting between Moroccan and Colombian officials.
The announcement followed a meeting in Colombia between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
During the meeting, Escobar stated that Colombia “recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” marking a significant shift in Bogota’s position on the longstanding territorial dispute.
Restrepo described the decision as “a new beginning” in relations between Colombia and Morocco and referred to Morocco as “Colombia’s first ally in Africa.” He also expressed Colombia’s interest in developing a strategic partnership with the North African country.
Bourita welcomed Colombia’s decision as “historic,” saying that the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara and the withdrawal of recognition of the self-proclaimed SADR could provide “a major boost” to bilateral relations.
The Moroccan foreign minister said the two countries could also serve as economic platforms for one another, taking advantage of their respective strategic positions in Africa and Latin America to expand trade and investment.
Bourita is currently in Cali representing King Mohammed VI at the inauguration of Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. He said his participation reflects Morocco’s determination to support the new momentum in bilateral relations and elevate cooperation to a higher level.
Growing International Support for Morocco’s Position
Colombia’s decision comes amid what Rabat describes as growing international support for Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara dispute and its Autonomy Plan.
According to Moroccan sources, more than 130 countries support Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, considering it a realistic, credible or viable framework for resolving the dispute.
The diplomatic momentum has involved countries from Europe, Africa, Latin America and other regions. In July, Romania said genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could constitute a viable solution, while Bulgaria described Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a possible basis for resolving the dispute.
Canada also endorsed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan in April, describing it as a “credible and serious” basis for resolving the dispute.
The diplomatic realignment has included countries that had previously recognized the self-proclaimed SADR. In April, Mali withdrew its recognition of the entity and said Morocco’s Autonomy Plan represented the only serious and credible basis for resolving the dispute. Ecuador suspended its recognition of the SADR in 2024 and subsequently reaffirmed its support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
The developments have contributed to a narrowing of diplomatic support for the Polisario Front and its main regional backer, Algeria. According to the report, only around 12 of the 54 African Union member states continue to recognize the SADR.
The shift has also been reinforced by UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which placed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan at the center of the political process and called on the parties to engage in negotiations on that basis.
Against this backdrop, Colombia’s decision represents a significant diplomatic development for Rabat and marks a further change in the international landscape surrounding the Western Sahara dispute.
