Burundi Reaffirms Support for Morocco Amid Territorial Dispute
Burundi has reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara during a diplomatic meeting, endorsing its Autonomy Plan as a credible solution. This has been perceived as a setback for Algeria’s diplomatic efforts, highlighting a growing trend of African nations backing Morocco’s position on the territorial dispute.
In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Rabat, Burundi has emphatically reaffirmed its unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, particularly regarding the contentious region of Western Sahara. Burundian Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro, during discussions with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, characterized Burundi’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as ‘the only credible and realistic solution’ to the prolonged dispute over Western Sahara. Minister Shingiro also commended the United Nations’ efforts, referencing it as the ‘exclusive framework’ necessary for achieving a sustainable resolution to the territorial issue. This firm stance from Burundi has drawn notable comment from Algerian political analyst Oualid Kebir, who remarked on social media that this declaration constitutes a ‘strong slap’ to Algeria’s diplomatic initiatives regarding the matter, suggesting that Algeria’s efforts were ultimately ineffective in influencing Burundi’s position. Adding to the evolving diplomatic landscape, Burundi previously opened a general consulate in Laayoune, the principal city in Western Sahara, in February 2020, becoming the sixth country to establish diplomatic representation in the city within a brief time frame. This development signifies an encouraging trend of increasing support among African nations for Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara. Recently, Chad also inaugurated a consulate in Dakhla, escalating the total number of countries with diplomatic missions in the Moroccan southern territories to 29. This pattern of recognition reflects a notable shift as more African nations align with Morocco’s position. Furthermore, the Moroccan Center for Parallel Diplomacy and Civilizational Dialogue has highlighted Morocco’s strategic re-entry into the African Union (AU) in 2017, which bolstered its diplomatic endeavors concerning Western Sahara. The center’s report details the hurdles Morocco faces within the AU framework, particularly relating to the Polisario Front’s presence in the organization. It emphasizes Morocco’s aspiration to exclude the Polisario from the AU and to forge a broad coalition of African support for its territorial claims. To this end, pragmatic partnerships and legal strategies that challenge the Polisario’s AU membership eligibility based on its lack of UN recognition are deemed essential for Morocco’s diplomatic strategy.
The ongoing dispute over Western Sahara remains a contentious issue, particularly between Morocco and Algeria, with various nations taking sides. Morocco claims sovereignty over Western Sahara and seeks international acknowledgement of its territorial integrity. The conflict has historically involved the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region, complicating diplomatic relations. Burundi’s recent unequivocal support for Morocco is emblematic of a broader trend among African nations increasingly backing Morocco’s position. This has significant implications for regional geopolitics and Morocco’s diplomatic strategies within multilateral organizations such as the African Union.
In summary, Burundi’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s territorial integrity marks a pivotal point in the ongoing Western Sahara dispute, underscoring a shift in diplomatic alliances in Africa. With continued openings of diplomatic missions by various nations, Morocco’s position is gaining legitimacy. The efforts to challenge the Polisario Front’s role within the AU and to solidify a supportive coalition illustrate Morocco’s proactive approach in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
Original Source: moroccoworldnews.com
