Colombia has officially changed its position on the Sahara dispute and recognized Morocco\u2019s sovereignty over the territory, marking a shift in Bogot\u00e1\u2019s policy and a new development in Morocco\u2019s diplomatic efforts.<\/p>\n
The announcement followed a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombia\u2019s Vice President Jos\u00e9 Manuel Restrepo, attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. Escobar said Colombia recognizes Morocco\u2019s sovereignty over its Sahara.<\/p>\n
Restrepo described the decision as a \u201cnew beginning\u201d for relations between the two countries. He also identified Morocco as Colombia\u2019s first ally in Africa and expressed interest in developing a strategic partnership with Rabat.<\/p>\n
Bourita called Colombia\u2019s decision to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and recognize Moroccan sovereignty \u201chistoric\u201d. He said the move could strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for cooperation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Bourita was in Cali as King Mohammed VI\u2019s representative for the inauguration of Colombia\u2019s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. His presence was presented as part of Morocco\u2019s effort to consolidate the new momentum in bilateral relations.<\/p>\n
Colombia\u2019s decision comes as Morocco continues to gain international support for its position on Sahara. More than 130 countries now support Morocco\u2019s Autonomy Plan as a framework described as realistic, credible or viable for resolving the dispute.<\/p>\n
Recent developments have included Romania\u2019s support for genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty and Bulgaria\u2019s view that the Autonomy Plan could provide a basis for a settlement.<\/p>\n
Canada also endorsed the Moroccan Autonomy Plan in April, describing it as a credible and serious basis for resolving the dispute.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The diplomatic changes have reduced the number of African Union members that recognize the SADR. According to the source, around 12 of the organization\u2019s 54 member states still maintain that recognition.<\/p>\n
The process has also been shaped by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025. The resolution placed Morocco\u2019s Autonomy Plan at the center of the political process and called on the parties to negotiate on that basis.<\/p>\n
Colombia\u2019s decision therefore adds a Latin American dimension to Morocco\u2019s expanding diplomatic support over Sahara and further changes the balance of international positions surrounding the dispute.<\/p>\n
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