The United Kingdom has officially endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, a move that has significant implications for the region and could even have ripple effects felt here in South Africa. This endorsement, announced on June 1, 2025, during a visit to Rabat, positions the UK alongside the United States and France as a major global power supporting Morocco's plan. So, what does this mean, and why should South Africans care?
Understanding the Western Sahara Conflict
The Western Sahara conflict is a decades-long dispute involving Morocco, which asserts sovereignty over the territory, and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, which seeks full independence for the region. The Polisario Front argues for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, a principle enshrined in international law.
The UK's Position and Its Significance
The UK's Foreign Minister, David Lammy, described Morocco's autonomy proposal as “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute.” This endorsement carries weight, making the UK the third permanent member of the UN Security Council to support the Moroccan plan. A joint communiqué, signed by Lammy and Moroccan Minister Nasser Bourita, highlighted the importance of resolving the dispute for regional stability in North Africa.
Polisario Front's Response
Meanwhile, the Polisario Front maintains its stance, urging the international community to uphold the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination. Kamal Fadel, the Polisario Front’s representative to Australia and New Zealand, emphasized that Western Sahara remains on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories and that the International Court of Justice found no legal ties of sovereignty between Morocco and Western Sahara. They firmly reject any settlement that excludes the option of independence.
Implications for South Africa
While geographically distant, the Western Sahara conflict and its resolution (or lack thereof) has implications for South Africa. Firstly, it impacts the African Union, where the issue of recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic has been a point of contention. Secondly, South Africa, with its own history of liberation struggles, has traditionally been a strong supporter of self-determination movements. The UK's endorsement of Morocco's plan presents a complex diplomatic challenge, potentially requiring a recalibration of South Africa's foreign policy stance on the issue. Furthermore, increased stability in North Africa could lead to greater economic opportunities and partnerships for South Africa within the continent.