Guinea-Bissau has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, with the country's Foreign Minister, Fatomata Gaw, describing her country's position as "clear, steady and unequivocal." In a statement to the press in New York, Gaw emphasized that Guinea-Bissau is committed to supporting Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over the Sahara.
Gaw also expressed her country's support for Morocco's autonomy initiative, which she described as the only solution to the regional conflict. The initiative, proposed by Morocco, aims to grant the Sahara region autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Gaw welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to find a solution to the conflict based on the autonomy initiative.
The position taken by Guinea-Bissau reflects the country's consistent diplomatic approach to the issue, which has been ongoing since 2020. That year, Guinea-Bissau opened a general consulate in the city of Dakhla, a move that was seen as a demonstration of the country's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.
Gaw's statement in New York underscores the strong bilateral relations between Guinea-Bissau and Morocco. The two countries have been working together to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, including politics, economy, and culture. Morocco has been a key partner for Guinea-Bissau in its development efforts.
The Sahara issue has been a longstanding dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a separatist group that has been fighting for independence in the region. The conflict has been the subject of numerous UN resolutions and international efforts to find a peaceful solution. Morocco's autonomy initiative has been widely supported by the international community as a viable solution to the conflict.
Guinea-Bissau's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara is significant, given the country's membership in the African Union and its role in regional organizations. The country's position reflects its commitment to upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as enshrined in the UN Charter.
The reaffirmation of Guinea-Bissau's support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara comes at a time when the international community is working to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. The UN Secretary-General has been engaged in efforts to revive the stalled peace process, and Morocco's autonomy initiative remains a key component of these efforts.
Key points
- Guinea-Bissau renews its support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara and the autonomy initiative as a solution to the regional conflict.
- The country's position reflects its consistent diplomatic approach to the issue, which has been ongoing since 2020.
- Morocco's autonomy initiative has been widely supported by the international community as a viable solution to the conflict.
