Morocco’s Vision for the Sahara: Autonomy, Development, and Regional Unity
Morocco has long positioned itself as a key player in the resolution of the Western Sahara dispute. The Kingdom’s approach, centered on autonomy, reflects a broader strategy that prioritizes development-driven sovereignty over prolonged conflict. This perspective was recently emphasized by Morocco’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Zakaria El Goumiri, during a phone interview with The Citizen.
The remarks were made on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as Morocco celebrated two significant milestones: 50 years since the historic Green March of 1975 and 70 years since gaining independence from French and Spanish protectorates in 1956. These events underscore Morocco’s enduring commitment to territorial integrity and regional cooperation.
A New Chapter in the Sahara Conflict
Ambassador El Goumiri highlighted the recent adoption of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2797/2025, which marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Western Sahara dispute. For the first time, the resolution explicitly recognizes Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “the only” credible basis for a lasting solution.
“This milestone is significant because it acknowledges the need to move beyond the artificial conflict that has persisted for over half a century,” he said. “This conflict, rooted in colonial withdrawal and regional geopolitics, has hindered full Maghreb integration and diverted Africa’s focus from joint development.”
The resolution, adopted on October 31, 2025, supports genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty as the most viable path to resolving the 50-year-old dispute with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Western Sahara, a vast desert region roughly the size of Britain, has been Africa’s longest-running territorial dispute since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975.
A Call for Negotiations and Peace
The UNSC resolution called on all parties to negotiate based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan. It also renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Western Sahara, MINURSO, for one year. While the U.S.-drafted text received support from 11 council members, Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria did not vote.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz urged all parties to engage in serious discussions, stating that regional peace is possible this year. He added that efforts would be made to facilitate progress.
Ambassador El Goumiri emphasized that the current moment calls for bold affirmation of Morocco’s role in African security, sovereignty, and integration. “Morocco is reclaiming its position as a catalyst for peace, development, and a united Maghreb,” he said.
A Legacy of Independence and Solidarity
King Mohammed VI’s address to the nation following the resolution underscored the importance of the Autonomy Initiative. “After 50 years of sacrifices, and with the guidance of God Almighty, we are entering a new chapter to consolidate the Moroccanness of the Sahara and close, once and for all, this fabricated conflict through a consensual solution,” he said.
Morocco’s historical role in African independence movements is well documented. The Kingdom provided logistical, political, and military assistance to liberation movements in Algeria, Guinea-Bissau, and other countries. During the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, Moroccan territory served as a haven for ANC activists, including Nelson Mandela, who reportedly received military training there.
The Green March and the Road Ahead
The Green March of November 6, 1975, remains a defining moment in Morocco’s history. Some 350,000 volunteers peacefully entered the then-Spanish Sahara, carrying the Holy Qur’an and national flags to reclaim Morocco’s “Southern Provinces.” As the late King Hassan II noted, “We must act as one to join the Sahara.”
Today, Morocco commemorates “50 Years after the Green March” and emphasizes that its southern provinces have become models of stability and growth. The Kingdom now looks ahead, leveraging its historical achievements to shape a forward-looking vision.
A Future of Collaboration and Integration
According to Ambassador El Goumiri, Morocco invites Africans, Arabs, and global partners to join it in building a unified Maghreb. “The story is no longer solely about reclaiming what was lost; it is about building what must be shared,” he said.
Morocco’s southern provinces, including Laâyoune and Dakhla, are now gateways for logistics, energy, and human capital. The Kingdom continues to invest in major ports, renewable energy, and connectivity, transforming sovereignty into prosperity.
As Morocco celebrates 70 years of independence and 50 years since the Glorious Green March, the focus remains on development, regional cooperation, and continental integration. The Kingdom stands ready to lead, not just for itself, but for the entire African continent.