Chile and Brunei Darussalam have joined the growing list of nations supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The Moroccan initiative aims to resolve the longstanding dispute in the Sahrawi region that has persisted for over four decades. Since Spain relinquished its influence over Western Sahara, political and social clashes have plagued the region.
Morocco’s plan seeks to establish broad autonomy for the area under Moroccan sovereignty through a 35-point Autonomy Plan. The proposal seeks to bring about social, political, legal, and economic progress in the area, which is in dire need of development. However, the Polisario Front’s postulates oppose the proposal and instead recommend a referendum on the independence of the Sahrawi people. This alternative option has less support globally, with Algeria being the main supporter. Algeria and Morocco have had a sour relationship over political disagreements, especially over Western Sahara, with both countries breaking off diplomatic ties in August 2021.
The Moroccan Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara enjoys substantial international support from critical players such as the United States, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain. The plan’s base line aims to respect UN resolutions and seeks to achieve a profound understanding of the parties in conflict. Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy for Western Sahara, has been pivotal in bringing the parties closer together. Many see the Moroccan initiative as the most credible and realistic approach to resolve the conflict in Sahrawi.
Chile and Brunei Darussalam are the latest nations to back the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Brunei Darussalam praised Morocco’s tireless efforts towards a lasting and peaceful solution to the Western Sahara dispute. During the meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam, Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, reiterated his nation’s position towards a definitive solution to the conflict. The meeting marked a milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries, as it was the first visit of Minister Pehin Yusof to Morocco since the establishment of diplomatic ties 35 years ago.
Additionally, both parties discussed the potential for strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation and consultation. The MoU seeks to enhance diplomatic and economic ties and foster a Free Trade Agreement that would facilitate commercial exchange between the North African state and the Southeast Asian nation.
Chile once again expressed its unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, highlighting its historic position on Morocco’s territorial integrity. During talks with Nasser Bourita in Rabat, Francisco Chahuán, president of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Chilean Senate, emphasized Chile’s support for the Moroccan kingdom regarding the Sahara issue. Chahuán led a high-profile delegation from the Chilean Senate, demonstrating Chile’s government’s backing for Morocco’s position.
In conclusion, the growing number of nations supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara reflects its credibility, practicality, and realistic approach to resolving the conflict in Sahrawi. The signing of MoUs with Brunei Darussalam and Chile will further strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation between the countries.
