In a speech delivered on October 11, 2024 on the occasion of the opening of the fourth legislative session, King Mohammed VI highlighted the significant advances achieved by Morocco in the Sahara issue, while reaffirming the Kingdom’s unshakeable position on this crucial question.
Guided by the strategic vision of His Majesty the King, the Kingdom of Morocco has taken decisive steps to revitalize the Sahara issue, both nationally and internationally. The King affirmed that “this dynamic concerns all aspects of the Sahara issue: economic, social and cultural development, thereby reinforcing the status of the southern provinces as a hub for interaction and exchange between Morocco and the rest of Africa”. This integrated approach aims to place the Moroccan Sahara at the heart of the continent’s strategic initiatives, such as the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline and the Atlantic African States Process.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude to France and its President Emmanuel Macron for their support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the entire Sahara territory, describing this position as a decisive turning point in the issue. He also stressed that this development supports the efforts being made within the framework of the United Nations to lay the foundations for a political process leading to a definitive resolution of this issue within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
Alongside the recognition of France, His Majesty King Mohammed VI also welcomed the recognition of other important countries that are permanent members of the Security Council, such as the United States and a number of African and Arab countries, thus consolidating the legitimacy of Morocco’s rights over its southern provinces.
The Moroccan Sovereign called for greater efforts to defend Morocco’s historical rights and to counter any hostile maneuvers. He stressed the importance of «explaining the fundamental elements underpinning the Moroccan position to the few countries whose stances on the issue still go against the logic of law and history”.
The speech highlighted the Autonomy Initiative as the only basis for achieving a definitive settlement of the conflict within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty, supported by a rising number of countries around the world (112 countries, including ¾ of African States), making reference to Spain, a friend who is well aware of the hidden motives of this issue and whose position has strong political and historical resonance. “as well as the majority of European Union members” said His Majesty the King.
His Majesty the King also emphasized the importance of parliamentary and partisan diplomacy in obtaining greater recognition of the Moroccan Sahara and broadening support for the Autonomy Initiative, seen as the only solution to this regional conflict.
His Majesty the King also emphasized that the progress made towards bringing this issue to a close, and the socio-economic development of the Southern Provinces, were made possible by the solidarity of all Moroccans, and by their concerted efforts to consolidate national unity and territorial integrity.