Moroccan Sahara: After Suspending Recognition of So-Called ‘sadr’, Ecuador Highlights Importance of Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative

During a virtual meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, MFA Nasser Bourita, Sommerfeld took the opportunity to reaffirm Ecuador’s decision, taken on October 21, 2024, while serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2023-2024 term, to suspend its recognition of the so-called “sadr.” This move aligns with universal principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

In a joint communiqué signed following their discussions, the Ecuadorian minister also underscored Ecuador’s support for achieving a peaceful and lasting solution to this regional dispute within the framework of the political process conducted exclusively under the auspices of the United Nations. She expressed full support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy, in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.

In this context, and in line with the position of the vast majority of UN member states, Ecuador’s Foreign Minister highlighted the “importance of the Autonomy Initiative” presented by Morocco in 2007 for the Sahara region. She described it as a realistic, peaceful, and compromise-based solution to resolve the issue.

The two ministers reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue coordinating within international organizations and forums on issues of mutual interest, and to contribute positively to international initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and development.