Former South African President Jacob Zuma has voiced his support for Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal on Western Sahara, describing it as a pragmatic framework that promotes local governance while safeguarding Morocco’s sovereignty.

Speaking after a high-level meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, Zuma emphasised that his party, Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), supports Morocco’s territorial claims based on historical and legal grounds.

Former South African President,  Jacob Zuma, makes his stand clear on Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal on Western Sahara

“Our party believes that Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal allows for significant local governance by the populations of the Sahara region, while ensuring that Morocco retains its sovereignty,” Zuma stated in a press release issued after the talks.

Zuma, now leader of the MK Party, further noted that Morocco’s efforts to reclaim full territorial integrity align with the MKP’s broader commitment to African sovereignty and unity.

“The historical and legal context that underpins Morocco’s claim to Western Sahara cannot be ignored,” he said. “Morocco’s approach is consistent with our party’s platform aimed at preserving the sovereignty of African states.”

Zuma highlighted the growing international and continental support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, which he called “a balanced path forward that promotes stability, peace, and development in the region.” He urged the global community to rally behind the initiative as a viable solution to the long-standing Sahara issue.

This position reflects the MK Party’s strategic policy framework titled “Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation, and Territorial Integrity,” released last month. The document supports Morocco’s claim to the Sahara based on historical allegiance of the region’s tribes to the Moroccan Throne before Spanish colonization in the late 19th century.

It also refers to Morocco’s 1975 Green March as “a unique and non-violent liberation movement,” hailing it as “an act of decolonization” and a powerful symbol of the bond between Morocco and its southern provinces. Over 350,000 unarmed Moroccans participated in the mass mobilization to reclaim the Sahara.

Zuma’s latest statement marks a notable shift in rhetoric compared to past South African leadership stances on the Sahara issue. It follows his 2017 meeting with King Mohammed VI on the sidelines of the AU–EU Summit in Abidjan, which helped reset bilateral ties between Morocco and South Africa after years of diplomatic tension.

The MK Party’s endorsement adds to a growing list of African and international actors supporting Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the basis for a negotiated political solution to the Sahara conflict under United Nations auspices.

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has sent a message of condolence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his message, the Moroccan monarch expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Nigerian leader, describing him as “an illustrious son” who worked tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of his nation.

“On this sad occasion, I extend my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to President Tinubu, the bereaved family, and the entire people of Nigeria,” King Mohammed VI stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved.”

The King also reflected on his personal working relationship with the late President Buhari, recalling collaborative engagements that, he said, resulted in the launch of key development projects between the two countries. He hailed the efforts as laying the foundation for a new era of strengthened friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco.

“I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased,” the King added. “They culminated in the launch of promising development projects that have ushered a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

King Mohammed VI’s message highlights the close diplomatic and economic ties that grew between Nigeria and Morocco during Buhari’s presidency, including landmark agreements in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

The United Kingdom has endorsed the Moroccan Autonomy Proposal. It is viewed as the most credible basis to settle the dispute over Western Sahara. The proposal is considered viable and pragmatic.

In a landmark diplomatic meeting, the UK stated its commitment. The UK “will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally, and internationally.” This action will be in line with this position to support resolution of the conflict.

This position was expressed in a Joint Communiqué. David Lammy, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, signed it in Rabat. The signing occurred on Sunday. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, also signed it.

This document highlights that the UK “follows closely the current positive dynamic on this issue.” His Majesty King Mohammed VI provides leadership in this matter. It adds that London “recognises the importance of the question of Western Sahara for the Kingdom of Morocco.” It notes that settling this regional dispute “would strengthen the stability of North Africa. It would also aid in the relaunch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.” 

The UK affirms, in the Joint Communiqué signed at the Foreign Ministry headquarters, that UK can consider supporting projects in the Sahara. This is notably as part of the UK Export Finance’s £5bn commitment to support new business across the country.

It also underlines that the UK “recognises Morocco as a key gateway to Africa’s socio-economic development”. The UK reaffirms its commitment to deepening engagement with Morocco. It sees Morocco as a partner for growth across the continent.

In this document, “both countries support the central role of the UN-led process.” They also consider it vital. Additionally, they reaffirm “their full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura.” To this end, the UK underlines that it is “ready, willing and committed to lend its active support and engagement to the Personal Envoy and the parties.”

“As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom agrees with Morocco. There is an urgent need to find a resolution to this long-held dispute. This would be in the interest of the parties,” the document notes. It adds that “the time for a resolution and to move this issue forwards is long-overdue. This action would strengthen the stability of North Africa and the relaunch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.”

This new position of the United Kingdom is significant. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, it aligns with the strong stances expressed by many major powers. This includes notably the United States, France, and Spain. 

This new position of the United Kingdom is significant. The UK is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. This stance reinforces the growing international momentum. The momentum is driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in support of the Autonomy Plan under Moroccan sovereignty. It also confirms the credibility of this initiative and the broad consensus backing it to reach a final resolution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara