The International Shift in Dealing with the Sahara Issue: The Autonomy Initiative at the Heart of Global Consensus
ALDAR / Analysis
Amid regional and international changes, Morocco’s autonomy initiative is strengthening its position as the sole and realistic solution to end the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, as clearly demonstrated by the fundamental shifts in the positions of several major countries, with Spain at the forefront.
The recent positive stances from Madrid align with a growing international trend that views the initiative proposed by Morocco in 2007 as a serious and credible framework for resolving the conflict. This comes within the context of unprecedented momentum provided by Moroccan leadership on this issue in recent years, particularly with the personal and active involvement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The current dynamic surrounding the Sahara issue on the international stage is reflected in the expanding support for the autonomy initiative, with 22 countries within the European Union now explicitly backing this proposal. Permanent members of the UN Security Council have also clearly expressed their support, along with backing from influential regional powers in the Arab world and Africa.
This shift is not limited to Europe or the Security Council but extends to significant regional coalitions and Arab countries, including Gulf states, as well as France and the United States. This broad support reflects a collective will to find a political solution to the conflict after fifty years of the status quo, which has only brought further complications.
In this context of growing international consensus, the autonomy initiative emerges as a solid foundation for a final solution, under the auspices of the United Nations, with full respect for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is now enjoying unprecedented international acceptance, making the current phase a golden opportunity that should not be missed to resolve this artificial conflict.
Spain’s stance, though seemingly an isolated shift, actually harmonizes with the broader trend within the international community, which recognizes that clinging to old positions inevitably means prolonging the crisis. In contrast, supporting the autonomy initiative represents a bold step toward just and lasting peace in the region.
With the acceleration of this international dynamic, it seems the international community is steadily moving toward adopting autonomy as the definitive and comprehensive solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue, in full alignment with international legitimacy, under the supervision of the UN, and with clear and decisive Moroccan leadership.
