At a delicate moment in the evolution of the regional conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, the United Kingdom has chosen to take an advanced and clear stance, describing the Moroccan autonomy proposal of 2007 as “the most credible, realistic, and pragmatic basis” for reaching a lasting solution.
"#Moroccan_Sahara: The position of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as expressed in the joint communiqué signed today in Rabat by MFA Nasser Bourita and his British counterpart, Mr. David Lammy pic.twitter.com/ZRLRxTUVIn
— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) June 1, 2025
This declaration, issued in a joint communiqué signed in Rabat by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy, goes beyond diplomatic niceties. It places London among the capitals openly supporting Moroccan sovereignty, without ambiguity.
Are We Witnessing a Real Change in British Foreign Policy?
The pressing question is: Is this a fundamental transformation in UK diplomacy, or a calculated strategy to expand post-Brexit economic and geopolitical influence in North Africa?
The mention of UK Export Finance’s potential support for projects in Morocco’s southern provinces, within a £5 billion economic initiative, transcends commercial logic. It is a political act, amounting to implicit recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and a desire to solidify strategic partnership in a rapidly shifting region.
Royal Momentum and Morocco’s Rising Role
The communiqué praises “the current positive momentum under the leadership of King Mohammed VI,” a politically charged expression. The UK position aligns with growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, already backed by Washington, Berlin, Madrid, and various African and Asian capitals.
More importantly, London links resolving the conflict to stability in North Africa and regional integration, reflecting a deeper Western understanding of Morocco’s central role in the region’s security and development, from the Sahel to the Mediterranean.
Balancing UN Support and Bilateral Partnership
Though the UK clearly supports the autonomy initiative, it also emphasizes its full backing of the UN-led process under Staffan de Mistura. This balanced approach suggests an effort to satisfy all sides while promoting its own vision.
Yet questions remain: Is the British stance a soft pressure tactic within the UN Security Council, or does it reflect a firm belief that the status quo no longer serves Western interests?
Morocco as a Gateway to Africa: A Post-Colonial Reading?
Describing Morocco as a “major gateway to Africa’s socio-economic development” carries symbolic and strategic weight. It’s an implicit acknowledgment of Morocco’s African depth and an invitation to build trilateral partnerships: UK – Morocco – Africa.
Conclusion: What Has Changed, and What Might Still Change?
While consistent with Morocco’s steady diplomatic momentum, the UK’s new position raises key strategic questions:
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Are we seeing the formation of a clear pro-autonomy European front?
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Will the UK play a more assertive role within the UN Security Council to unfreeze the process?
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Will this dynamic push other undecided powers—like France or Russia—to clarify their positions?
Ultimately, Morocco seems to be calmly turning its diplomatic gains into long-term strategic leverage, offering stability and reliability in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.
