Colombia recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara

Colombia has officially changed its position on the Sahara dispute and recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory, marking a shift in Bogotá’s policy and a new development in Morocco’s diplomatic efforts.

The announcement followed a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. Escobar said Colombia recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.

Restrepo described the decision as a “new beginning” for relations between the two countries. He also identified Morocco as Colombia’s first ally in Africa and expressed interest in developing a strategic partnership with Rabat.

Bourita called Colombia’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and recognize Moroccan sovereignty “historic”. He said the move could strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for cooperation.

The Moroccan foreign minister also highlighted the economic potential of closer ties. He said Morocco and Colombia could serve as platforms for each other in Africa and Latin America, using their geographic positions to expand economic exchanges.

Bourita was in Cali as King Mohammed VI’s representative for the inauguration of Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. His presence was presented as part of Morocco’s effort to consolidate the new momentum in bilateral relations.

A wider diplomatic shift

Colombia’s decision comes as Morocco continues to gain international support for its position on Sahara. More than 130 countries now support Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a framework described as realistic, credible or viable for resolving the dispute.

Recent developments have included Romania’s support for genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty and Bulgaria’s view that the Autonomy Plan could provide a basis for a settlement.

Canada also endorsed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan in April, describing it as a credible and serious basis for resolving the dispute.

Several countries that previously recognized the self-proclaimed SADR have also changed or suspended their positions. Mali withdrew its recognition in April and backed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only serious and credible basis for resolving the dispute. Ecuador suspended its recognition of the SADR in 2024 and later reaffirmed its support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

The diplomatic changes have reduced the number of African Union members that recognize the SADR. According to the source, around 12 of the organization’s 54 member states still maintain that recognition.

The process has also been shaped by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025. The resolution placed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan at the center of the political process and called on the parties to negotiate on that basis.

Colombia’s decision therefore adds a Latin American dimension to Morocco’s expanding diplomatic support over Sahara and further changes the balance of international positions surrounding the dispute.

Meta description: Colombia recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara, opening a new phase in bilateral ties and strengthening Rabat’s diplomatic position.