Colombia announces change of its position, recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara

Colombia has changed its position on the Sahara dispute, announcing that it recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory, Moroccan officials said.

The new position was announced Friday during a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, attended by Colombia’s Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio Mapura.

During the meeting, Villavicencio said Colombia “recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” signaling a major shift in Bogotá’s position on the long-running dispute.

Restrepo described the announcement as a “new beginning” in relations between Colombia and Morocco, saying the Kingdom is considered “Colombia’s main ally in Africa.”

The Colombian vice president also expressed his country’s desire to establish a strategic partnership with Morocco.

Bourita described Colombia’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara as “historic.”

The Moroccan foreign minister said the move would give a “strong boost” to bilateral relations between the two countries.

Bourita also said Morocco and Colombia could serve as economic gateways for one another, leveraging their strategic positions in Africa and Latin America to expand trade and investment.

The Moroccan minister was in Cali at the direction of King Mohammed VI to represent the monarch at the inauguration ceremony of Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella.

Bourita said his presence at the ceremony reflected Morocco’s desire to support the new momentum in bilateral relations and elevate ties between Rabat and Bogotá to a higher level.

The announcement marks a significant development in Morocco’s diplomatic campaign over the Sahara, which Rabat considers part of its territory, while the Polisario Front seeks independence for the disputed region.