Belgium set to back Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara

Belgium seems next on the list of countries to recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, amid growing support for their claim amongst Western nations.

According to Yabiladi via Africa Intelligence, reported on September 3^rd, the so-called “Arizona” coalition government of Belgium, made up of liberals, socialists, Christian democrats, and Flemish nationalists, reached an agreement on a bill recognising Morocco’s claim to the highly disputed region. The bill is expected to be reviewed and finalised in the coming weeks.

The idea was reportedly first put forward in May by the Reform Movement (MR), where it then gained further backing from other members of the ruling coalition.

The Belgians seem to be following in the footsteps of the French, as their shift towards full recognition comes shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to King Mohammed VI expressing his support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

Belgium has shown increasing solidarity with Morocco on this issue in recent years. The previous coalition government backed Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, which then-Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib described as a “good basis” for resolving the conflict.

Belgium doesn’t stand alone in their support for Morocco’s plan. As Maghrebi reported, US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, recently met with Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita, confirming US support for Morocco on this issue.

The UK have also shown their solidarity with the Kingdom. British foreign Secretary David Lammy stated, “The autonomy plan submitted by Morocco in 2007 stands as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute,” talking to reporters after discussions took place with Bourita in Rabat.

With the backing of some of the world’s most powerful nations, and amid growing calls for the only resistance to their plan to be designated a terrorist organisation, Morocco appears to be moving ever closer to undisputed sovereignty over the Western Sahara.