Sierra Leone Backs Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara

Sierra Leone has expressed its full support for Morocco's territorial integrity, considering the Autonomy Initiative as the only "credible, serious, and realistic" solution to the Western Sahara conflict. In a joint statement issued on April 25, 2024, following talks between the foreign ministers of Sierra Leone and Morocco, Sierra Leone reiterated its firm stance on the issue, aligning itself with Morocco's position.

Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba praised King Mohammed VI's leadership and vision for strengthening South-South cooperation and regional initiatives in West Africa. He also welcomed Morocco's contribution to promoting peace and development in the Mano River Union region. The two countries expressed their commitment to consolidate and expand their bilateral cooperation, including through a new cooperation roadmap for 2024-2026.

Sierra Leone, which currently holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, has reinforced its support for Morocco's territorial integrity through concrete actions. In 2021, Sierra Leone opened a consulate general in Dakhla and participated in a ministerial conference in support of the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty. The joint statement also expressed Sierra Leone's full support for the UN-led process to reach a realistic, practical, and lasting solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue.

Why this matters: Sierra Leone's reaffirmation of support for Morocco's territorial integrity is a setback for Algeria's recent diplomatic efforts to reverse Sierra Leone's recognition of the Moroccan Sahara. This development highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions and competing interests in the region.

The past two weeks have seen a series of meetings between the Moroccan foreign minister and officials from other African and Caribbean countries. Several of them, including Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Liberia, have also reaffirmed their support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. "Sierra Leone has expressed its full support for Morocco's territorial integrity, considering the Autonomy Initiative as the only 'credible, serious, and realistic' solution to the Western Sahara conflict," the joint statement emphasized.

Key Takeaways

• Sierra Leone expresses full support for Morocco's territorial integrity.
• Sierra Leone considers Morocco's Autonomy Initiative as the only credible solution.
• Sierra Leone praises King Mohammed VI's leadership and vision for regional cooperation.
• Sierra Leone has taken concrete actions to support Morocco's position on Western Sahara.
• Sierra Leone's support is a setback for Algeria's diplomatic efforts in the region.