The republic of Sao Tome and Principe on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Kingdom of Morocco over the Sahara region and endorsed its autonomy plan as the only solution to the regional dispute.
This position was reiterated during a meeting in Morocco’s capital, Rabat, between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, and São Tomé and Príncipe’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz
During the meeting, Foreign Affair’s Minister for Sao Tome reaffirmed her country’s full support for the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco as the only credible and realistic solution for resolving the dispute.
The Sao Tome and Principe Foreign Minister also welcomed the historic adoption of UN security Council resolution 2797, which proposed Morocco’s autonomy plan as a serious, credible, and sustained basis for reaching a political solution to the issue.
He further welcomed the significant progress made by the Kingdom of Morocco in Southern Provinces’ socio-economic development through the new development model, which promotes stability, security and regional integration.
Origin of the Morocco – Western Sahara Dispute
The Western Sahara dispute dates back to 1975 following Spain’s withdrawal from the territory after decades of colonial rule. Subsequently, Morocco reclaimed the region, citing historical and legal ties to the territory. However, the Polisario Front, backed primarily by Algeria, declared the establishment of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, leading to a prolonged conflict.
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In 1991, a ceasefire was brokered under the auspices of the United Nations, with efforts focused on achieving a political solution. However, Morocco later proposed an autonomy initiative in 2007, granting the region self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. This proposal has since gained increasing international support as a pragmatic and sustainable solution to the dispute.
Beyond the Sahara dispute, the two ministers discussed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations. They also reviewed the implementation of the 2025-2027 roadmap they signed last year in Rabat.
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This engagement marks another diplomatic milestone in Morocco’s efforts to consolidate regional and international support for its autonomy plan while reinforcing growing momentum toward a realistic and lasting resolution of the Sahara dispute.
