The United Kingdom and Kenya have officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a move that significantly alters the diplomatic landscape of one of Africa’s longest-running territorial conflicts. This endorsement aligns both countries with Morocco and other key international players supporting the plan, while drawing criticism from Algeria and Sahrawi advocates who argue it undermines the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
Background: The Western Sahara Conflict and Morocco’s Autonomy Plan
Western Sahara, a territory rich in natural resources, has been disputed since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. Morocco controls approximately 80% of the region, including major cities like Laayoune and Dakhla, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front controls the remaining area and demands full independence for the Sahrawi people. The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a “non-self-governing territory” and has maintained a peacekeeping mission (MINURSO) since 1991 to oversee a ceasefire and facilitate a referendum on self-determination that has yet to take place.
In 2007, Morocco proposed an autonomy plan offering Western Sahara significant self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. The plan envisages the establishment of autonomous legislative, executive, and judicial institutions within the territory, with Morocco retaining control over defense, foreign affairs, currency, and national symbols. This initiative has been described by Morocco and its supporters as the most credible and pragmatic basis for resolving the conflict.
UK’s Endorsement: A Diplomatic and Economic Turning Point
On June 1, 2025, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Rabat and formally endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan, calling it “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the conflict”. This endorsement makes the UK the third permanent member of the UN Security Council, after the United States and France, to back Morocco’s proposal.
Lammy highlighted that the UK would pursue bilateral, economic, regional, and international efforts to support this stance. The visit also resulted in multiple agreements on cooperation in healthcare, innovation, port and water infrastructure, and procurement, linked to Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. These agreements are expected to open lucrative investment opportunities for British businesses in the region.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita praised the UK’s position as “historic” and a boost to the momentum toward resolving the conflict. He also confirmed that British investments in Western Sahara are currently under review, signaling potential economic integration of the territory under Morocco’s sovereignty.
Kenya’s Support: Strengthening African Diplomatic Alignments
Kenya, which had previously maintained a more neutral stance, has now officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan. Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s support for the plan as “credible and sustainable,” aligning with the UN framework. Kenya and Morocco also agreed to enhance cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, and cultural affairs. Kenya supports Morocco’s initiative to provide landlocked Sahel countries access to global trade through Moroccan ports, reflecting a broader regional economic strategy.
This endorsement reflects shifting diplomatic dynamics in Africa, where Morocco has been expanding its influence through economic and political partnerships across the continent, including over 30 consulates opened in Western Sahara’s major cities.
Controversy and Criticism: Sahrawi Self-Determination at Risk
The endorsements by the UK and Kenya have sparked strong criticism from Algeria and Sahrawi representatives. Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front, expressed regret over the UK’s decision, pointing out that Morocco’s autonomy plan is an 18-year-old proposal never presented to the Sahrawi people for negotiation.
Sahrawi advocates argue that Morocco’s plan violates UN resolutions affirming the Sahrawi people’s right to a free and fair referendum on independence. The UN and the International Court of Justice have recognized this right, but the referendum remains stalled. Critics warn that international backing of Morocco’s autonomy plan undermines the legitimacy of the UN peace process and the Sahrawi struggle for self-determination.
International Context and Geopolitical Implications
The UK and Kenya’s endorsements come amid growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, with France, the United States, Spain, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates also backing the proposal as the most realistic solution to the conflict. The UN Security Council has described the plan as “serious and credible,” though it has not yet led to a final political settlement.
Morocco’s strategy includes substantial investments in infrastructure and development in Western Sahara, aiming to integrate the territory economically and politically. The upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host, has become a catalyst for international investment and diplomatic engagement in the region.
However, the endorsements deepen divisions between Morocco and Algeria, complicating regional relations and the prospects for a negotiated peace. The conflict remains a sensitive issue in African and international diplomacy, with the Sahrawi people’s aspirations for independence continuing to fuel tensions.
