Panama Reaffirms: The Sahara is Moroccan… and the Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan Sovereignty is the Final Solution

ALDAR/ Iman Alaoui

In a new statement carrying profound political messages, the Republic of Panama dealt another blow to the separatist camp by announcing the renewal of its recognition of Morocco’s full sovereignty over its southern provinces and its firm support for the Autonomy Initiative as the only realistic solution to end the fabricated conflict over the Sahara.

This position was expressed by Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, in a televised speech coinciding with the Moroccan people’s celebrations of the Throne Day. The timing gave the announcement a symbolic dimension, underscoring the depth of political rapprochement between Rabat and Panama.

This step did not come out of nowhere; it crowns an upward trajectory that began with Panama’s historic decision in November 2024 to sever ties with the so-called “Polisario,” followed by reaffirmations of this stance in official meetings with the Moroccan side, and culminating in a joint declaration in June 2025 from the heart of Rabat, which stated unequivocally that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the optimal framework for settlement.

The significance of this position is further amplified by Panama’s current status as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, giving its voice particular weight in UN debates related to the Sahara issue. It also strengthens the international momentum that is now clearly leaning in favor of Morocco’s approach.

With Panama joining the list of countries that speak out loudly in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, Morocco—under the leadership of King Mohammed VI—continues to drive forward the train of international recognitions, steadily advancing toward establishing a just and lasting solution based on the Kingdom’s full national sovereignty.