Ecuador Supports Morocco's Sovereignty Over Sahara

The Republic of Ecuador has expressed its support for Morocco's sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region. This stance was revealed in a joint statement following talks between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Roberto Carlos Curi Pisantis in Rabat. The statement highlighted Ecuador's backing of Morocco's autonomy initiative presented in 2007 as a serious, reliable, and realistic solution to achieve a fair and lasting political settlement.

Ecuador's position on the Sahara issue was further clarified in the joint statement, emphasizing that a genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most viable solution to resolve the conflict. To demonstrate its support, Ecuador has decided to send its ambassador to visit the Sahara region. This move is part of Ecuador's efforts to bolster its support on diplomatic, economic, and consular levels, including the establishment of a consulate that covers Moroccan territory.

The joint statement also mentioned that Ecuador will encourage economic and trade cooperation opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara region. This initiative aims to open up promising prospects towards the African continent, benefiting Morocco's economic sectors. The goal is to strengthen ties in areas such as investment, trade, and productive development.

The development in Ecuador's stance on the Sahara issue comes at a significant time, with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO) recently entering a new phase. MINURSO concluded its mandate on October 31 without a renewal agreement within the Security Council. This transition marks a shift from a peacekeeping mission to the liquidation of its field operations and administrative obligations.

Local reactions to Ecuador's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara have been positive. Notably, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salihi of the Ait Lahsen tribe, a prominent figure in determining identity, emphasized that Sahrawi tribes themselves are directly opposed to the Polisario Front's project. He noted that maintaining their status as a social and historical reference and guardians of Hassani customary law is contrary to a project that seeks to eliminate the tribe as a fundamental component of Sahrawi identity.

The international community continues to watch developments in the Sahara region closely. Morocco's autonomy initiative has garnered support from several countries, and Ecuador's endorsement adds to this growing list. The situation remains complex, with ongoing efforts to find a lasting political solution that satisfies all parties involved.

Ecuador's decision to support Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara and to engage in more substantial diplomatic and economic activities in the region reflects a significant shift in its foreign policy stance. This move is expected to enhance bilateral relations between Ecuador and Morocco, potentially leading to increased cooperation in various sectors.

Key points

• Ecuador supports Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara, including through a planned visit by its ambassador to the southern regions.