Belgium Poised to Recognize Morocco’s Sahara Sovereignty by 2025

Belgium is on the verge of joining the countries that have already recognized the "Moroccanness" of the Sahara and supported its autonomy plan. "Rabat is on the right track to obtain the official support of Brussels for its Western Sahara autonomy plan. By the end of 2025, the Belgian government must adopt a text in the Federal Parliament that intends to recognize Morocco’s international sovereignty over the territory," Africa Intelligence believes, adding that the MR declares itself confident of obtaining a majority in the Federal Parliament to support the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty.

In June, the Reformist Movement (MR) had tabled a bill in the Belgian Parliament to this effect. "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 had therefore called for the opening of a Brussels economic office in southern Morocco. "It is time for Brussels to speak with one voice and 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.

This bill was a promise made by MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez during a recent visit to Morocco in May. "Through this approach, I hope to gather a majority of other political parties to be able to move forward, positively, without forgetting certain claims of the neighboring countries (the territory is also claimed by the Polisario Front independence fighters, supported by Algeria)," he added. And to continue: "It is now clear that the sovereignty and administration of Western Sahara is effectively and legitimately in the hands of Morocco."