Morocco says the dispute over Western Sahara is an “artificial conflict” that does not reflect the historical, legal, or social realities of the region.
Moroccan Ambassador to Malawi Abdelkader Naji explained that the issue, which first emerged in the early 1970s, was largely a product of broader geopolitical rivalries of the time. He emphasised that Western Sahara has, throughout history, remained an integral part of the Kingdom of Morocco.
This view, he notes, was supported by a 1975 International Court of Justice advisory opinion, which recognised strong historical ties between the territory and Morocco.
He emphasised that the contrast between Sahrawis living in the Moroccan Sahara, who, he says, enjoy peace, stability, and opportunities created through major development projects and those still residing in camps outside Morocco, where conditions are described as restrictive and lacking fundamental rights.
The Kingdom insists that the path forward lies in its Autonomy Plan, a proposal grounded in pragmatism and compromise, which has now attracted support from more than 120 countries worldwide, including global and regional powers. The initiative places emphasis on granting local self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, while promoting wider economic and social integration.
“Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara will never be negotiable,” Naji affirmed, adding that ongoing investment in infrastructure such as the Atlantic port of Dakhla and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline underscores the country’s long-term commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
Diplomats believe the international community is increasingly recognising Morocco’s plan as a realistic and peaceful solution, capable of unlocking broader cooperation and development opportunities across North and West Africa.
Closer to home, countries such as Malawi have expressed consistent support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Officials in Lilongwe have underscored that any solution must respect Morocco’s unity, a position that strengthens Morocco’s diplomatic standing within the African Union and reflects a growing spirit of continental solidarity.
The Morocco’s Ambassador to Malawi, stressed: “The Autonomy Plan is not only Morocco’s solution, it is the most credible and widely supported framework for lasting peace and development in the region.”
He further remarked: “We deeply value Malawi’s steadfast position, which reflects the importance of African unity and solidarity in addressing regional challenges.”
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