The United Kingdom has endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara as a credible path to Peace and Regional Stability.
Rabat, June 5, 2025: On June 1, 2025, in Rabat, the United Kingdom formally recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal for the Sahara—originally submitted in 2007—as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution to the long-standing regional dispute.
This landmark position was detailed in a Joint Communiqué signed by the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
The UK emphasized its intention to act bilaterally, economically, regionally, and internationally in alignment with this stance, signalling a deeper strategic partnership with Morocco and a commitment to regional peace and integration.
The statement highlights that settling the Sahara issue is key to strengthening not only North Africa’s stability but also fostering economic cooperation and integration across the region and beyond.
The Communiqué acknowledges the strong leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and notes the positive momentum surrounding the Sahara issue under his vision.
It also states the UK’s readiness to support development projects in the region through the UK Export Finance’s £5 billion commitment, further positioning Morocco as a vital gateway for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.
Both countries reaffirmed their support for the UN-led process and the efforts of the Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura.
The UK, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, expressed its readiness to actively engage with the parties involved to find a durable solution. This position places the United Kingdom alongside other major global powers—including the United States, France, and Spain—who have voiced support for Morocco’s autonomy plan.
The serious, credible, and pragmatic initiative outlined in the Moroccan Autonomy Plan now enjoys the strong and open support of 116 countries, including two permanent members of the UN Security Council—with the United Kingdom joining this position as of June 1st, 2025—as well as three non-permanent members who served on the Council in 2024 and six current non-permanent members.
This growing international consensus confirms the legitimacy of Morocco’s proposal and reflects global momentum toward a peaceful, sustainable solution under Moroccan sovereignty.
