The government of São Tomé and Príncipe has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara, endorsing the kingdom’s autonomy initiative as the “only credible and realistic solution” to resolve the regional dispute.
The statement was made on Tuesday, in Rabat following talks between São Tomé’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz, and her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, according to remarks shared with the press.
Reiterating her country’s stance, the São Toméan foreign minister emphasised her government’s “firm commitment” to Morocco’s territorial integrity, including the Western Sahara.
She stressed that this diplomatic position aligns with São Tomé and Príncipe’s consistent view that the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty remains the sole viable basis for a political settlement.
This position comes amid growing support from several African and non-African countries for Morocco’s initiative, often presented as an alternative to options considered impractical on the ground. The minister also welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, describing it as reinforcing the Moroccan plan as a “serious, credible, and sustainable” framework.
In addition, Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz highlighted Morocco’s investments in its southern provinces, pointing to “significant” economic and social progress. She noted that these efforts contribute to regional stability and support integration dynamics in West Africa.
More broadly, this reaffirmation reflects an ongoing diplomatic trend marked by increasing international backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the enclave. Rabat continues to leverage such support to strengthen its position on the global stage, as talks under United Nations auspices for the future of the territory continue.
MK/AK/Sf/lb/as/APA