UK hopes for progress on Moroccan Sahara as it outlines new Africa strategy

The UK government signaled cautious optimism over the Moroccan Sahara issue while unveiling a refreshed approach to its relationship with Africa during a session at the House of Commons on Tuesday.

Hamish Falconer, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs responsible for the Middle East and North Africa, said the UK supports the UN’s efforts to advance negotiations and “hopes to see progress in the coming months” to resolve the long-running conflict. 

Falconer’s remarks came in response to Conservative MP Andrew Murrison, who praised the Government for updating the UK’s language on the Moroccan Sahara and called for sustained progress in bilateral trade and security with Morocco following the 2019 association agreement.

Falconer said the UN special envoy is central to efforts to bring closure to the dispute and noted the importance of regional unity in North Africa and the UK remains fully committed to backing the UN’s mediation process.

The session also focused on the UK’s broader Africa strategy. Falconer outlined a new approach shifting from a donor-focused role to that of an investor and equal partner. 

The strategy, shaped after consultations with governments, civil society, diaspora communities, businesses, and universities, prioritizes seven key areas: investment and trade, fair and managed migration, climate and clean energy collaboration, peace and security, stronger systems for growth, amplifying African voices in global decision-making, and supporting innovation and cultural partnerships.

MPs from multiple parties welcomed the change in tone. Conservative Mark Pritchard called the approach “timid” but acknowledged its principles, while Labour’s Danny Beales and Fleur Anderson stressed the importance of embedding poverty reduction, local partnerships, and sustainable development goals into the strategy. 

Falconer reassured MPs that existing programmes would continue, and further details on official development assistance allocations and diplomatic resources will be released in the new year. 

In the same vein, Baroness Chapman launched the UK’s new Approach to Africa in London Monday, speaking to African ambassadors, UK parliamentarians, and policy experts. 

Chapman said the UK wants a fresh, long-term partnership with African countries, moving away from old aid programs toward investment, trade, and sustainable growth. She noted, “We are partners, investors, and, most of all, reformers,” adding that this approach should benefit both British and African citizens.

Chapman said the strategy is based on listening carefully to African voices. Over five months, the UK gathered input from governments, civil society, diaspora communities, businesses, and universities, with over 600 organizations taking part. 

She noted that African nations want respectful, long-term relationships that deliver real change for people’s lives. 

Chapman added the UK’s new approach reflects Africa’s diversity, recognizing that every region and country faces different opportunities and challenges.

She said the plan focuses on several areas, including trade and investment, migration, climate and energy, peace and security, health and education, global decision-making, and innovation and cultural partnerships.