UK Poised to Recognize Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara

Will the United Kingdom follow in the footsteps of France, which has recently recognized the Moroccanness of the Sahara and supported its autonomy plan? This is at least what the discussions between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and his counterpart, the new British Foreign Minister, David Lammy, suggest. Britain had already expressed its desire to invest in the southern regions of the Kingdom. The British company "Oplin" had expressed its intention to invest in a hydrogen production project in Dakhla, a city in the south of the Moroccan Sahara regions. This project, which should soon see the light of day, will allow the establishment of a green industrial zone for the manufacture of photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbine blades. It will generate around 5,000 jobs.

Last May, some thirty British MPs and Lords had sent a letter to British Foreign Minister David Cameron, calling for support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. They had stated that the autonomy initiative proposed by Morocco for the Sahara, in addition to being the most pragmatic path, "respects local traditions and democratic aspirations, and offers a viable solution to achieve lasting peace and stability." Recalling that the initiative enjoys broad support among London’s allies and more than 80 countries around the world, the British MPs had explained that support for this plan, which is the only realistic solution, reflects the will of international partners to strengthen regional stability and prosperity, "which reinforces the central role of the autonomy initiative in promoting peace efforts."

"Western Sahara has the potential to improve energy opportunities, secure supply chains and provide access to new markets. Today, the development of strategic infrastructure, such as the impressive port of Dakhla, highlights the economic and geopolitical importance of the region. These developments not only demonstrate sustainable progress, but also present the region as a center of innovation and international cooperation in Africa," the signatories of the letter had added.