Belgian Party Pushes for Morocco’s Sahara Sovereignty, Citing Security and Economic Gains

The MR is keeping its promise. During a new visit to Morocco last May, its president Georges-Louis Bouchez had announced the filing of a text in the Brussels Parliament "which will aim to recognize Moroccan international sovereignty over the Sahara, as well as the autonomy plan developed by Morocco". This is now a done deal. "In a geopolitical context marked by tensions in the Sahel, Morocco plays a key role against terrorism and extremism, while developing viable economic models. Our proposal is part of a logic of strategic partnership, security and shared growth," said the liberal MP Amin El Boujdaini, quoted in a press release issued by his party group.

In the eyes of the MR, the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is also a guarantee of regional stability. It also sees it as an economic opportunity for the two countries. The party is therefore calling for the opening of a Brussels economic office in southern Morocco. "It is time for Brussels to speak with one voice and to engage concretely alongside Morocco, a stable, reliable and indispensable partner on the African scene. The development of southern Morocco is an opportunity we cannot ignore: this is where the economic Africa of tomorrow is being built," commented El Boujdaini.

For the MR, the spectacular development of Dakhla and Laâyoune - industrial zones, strategic port, green energies - "opens new doors to Brussels companies, too often absent from these markets". The party believes it is proposing a "pragmatic solution: to establish a local presence, in connection with the hub.brussels office in Rabat, to support SMEs, create economic bridges and capture local opportunities". However, this determination of the MR to work for the change of its country’s position on the Sahara issue does not please the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot.

Questioned on RTL Info about the trip of the president of the MR, Georges-Louis Bouchez, which took place last May, he replied bluntly: "I think we should always avoid parallel diplomacies that may be in the interest of a party to the detriment of the interest of a country. [...] As for the substance of the file, there is room for discussion, of course."