The Republic of Mauritius has officially revised its stance on the Moroccan Sahara issue, now viewing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most credible solution to the regional dispute. This new position was announced by Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful in New York after meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session.

The shift in Mauritius' position comes after a recent Council of Ministers meeting, which re-examined the country's stance on the issue following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Ramful stated that Mauritius now considers this resolution to be "based on pragmatism." The Mauritian government's change of heart reflects a growing diplomatic momentum around the Moroccan Sahara question.

According to Ramful, autonomy for the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty offers the most realistic, just, and durable solution to the dispute. This position aligns with the approach championed by Moroccan King Mohammed VI, which advocates for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the sole viable solution to the artificial regional conflict.

The Moroccan Sahara dispute has been a longstanding issue, with various countries and international organizations involved in efforts to find a resolution. The UN Security Council has been actively engaged in the process, with Resolution 2797 being a key development in this context. The resolution's adoption has contributed to the evolving diplomatic landscape surrounding the issue.

The meeting between Ramful and Bourita highlights the ongoing diplomatic engagement between countries on the Moroccan Sahara issue. The two ministers discussed the matter in detail, reflecting the importance of international cooperation in addressing regional disputes. Their talks took place in a constructive atmosphere, underscoring the commitment to finding a peaceful and lasting solution.

The change in Mauritius' position is seen as a significant development in the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Moroccan Sahara. By backing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, Mauritius has joined a growing number of countries that support this approach. This shift is expected to contribute to the ongoing international discussions on the issue.

The international community continues to closely follow developments on the Moroccan Sahara issue, with many countries and organizations invested in finding a resolution. The UN General Assembly session provided a platform for countries to engage in discussions and share their perspectives on the matter. The evolving positions of countries like Mauritius reflect the dynamic nature of international diplomacy on this issue.

Key points

  • Mauritius now considers autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most credible solution to the Moroccan Sahara dispute.
  • The change in Mauritius' position follows the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797.
  • The shift in stance aligns with the approach championed by Moroccan King Mohammed VI.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.