Panama endorses Morocco’s Western Sahara Plan
Panama becomes one of the latest nations to express support for Morocco in the dispute over the Western Sahara territory between Morocco and the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, has reaffirmed Panama’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, following his visit to Rabat on June 16th, as reported by Yabiladi. During this visit, he commended Morocco’s propositions for a lasting solution regarding the Sahara as a disputed territory, referring to such plans as a “unique foundation” for peace. The visit ended in the signing of a joint declaration between Panama and Morocco.
During a televised appearance for the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s enthronement, Martínez-Acha Vásquez expressed Panama’s unceasing support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative for the provinces of the Sahara. In reference to these plans, he stated that they were the only “credible, realistic, and applicable option.” His viewpoint depicts international support for Morocco, as well as support for resolving the dispute regarding the Sahara.
The support depicted by Martínez-Acha Vásquez illustrates a clear turning point in Panama’s foreign policy regarding the Sahara dispute. In January 2024, a previous Joint Declaration was signed between Panama’s Foreign Minister at the time, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, and Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita. This was one of the first key steps that marked the shift in Panamanian diplomatic approach.
The government of Panama has pledged to guide its diplomatic actions in the future based on their support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative. Panama has since cut ties with the other party in the dispute over the Western Sahara, SADR.
Morocco has received extensive support by the UN Security Council, with over 70% of member states supporting their plans for autonomy. Martínez-Acha Vásquez has pointed to Resolution 2756, which endorses the Moroccan initiative. He evidences this as an explanation as to why Morocco should receive support. Morocco has also received support from other Latin American nations, such as Ecuador. In July 2024, Ecuador withdrew recognition of SADR, and inaugurated its embassy in Morocco.
Other nations have shown support for Morocco’s autonomy proposals also. On June 1st, the UK demonstrated support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal. Britain’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, deemed Morocco’s plans as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute.”
On June 7th, Ghana also officially endorsed Morocco’s plans as the sole basis for resolving the Western Sahara dispute. International momentum is a clear indication of the long-term success and support of Morocco’s plans.
Yabiladi, Maghrebi.org
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