Kenya has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only sustainable and realistic solution to the long-standing Western Sahara dispute, marking a significant diplomatic alignment between the two African nations. This position was detailed in a Joint Communiqué issued on Monday, July 15, in Rabat, following high-level talks between Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
The communiqué declared that Kenya “considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to the resolution of the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded States to foster its realization.” Kenya also lauded the growing international support and diplomatic momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco in promoting this initiative.
The Moroccan autonomy plan, first proposed in 2007, offers limited self-governance for the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty, and it has garnered increasing support globally as a pragmatic compromise in contrast to full independence or prolonged conflict.
Kenya’s latest stance reflects a broader shift among African and global actors toward recognizing Morocco’s efforts in advancing a peaceful resolution. The statement highlights Kenya’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts rooted in realism and mutual respect, aligning itself with other nations who view Morocco’s plan as a credible framework for lasting peace.
Moreover, both nations reaffirmed their support for the United Nations’ central role in the political process and underscored the importance of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2756 (2024), which supports a negotiated political solution.
Morocco, in turn, expressed appreciation for Kenya’s recognition of its cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in advancing the process in accordance with relevant Security Council mandates.
This development is a notable reinforcement of Morocco’s diplomatic efforts across Africa, and it strengthens bilateral relations between Nairobi and Rabat, opening new avenues for collaboration on continental peace and stability. As global consensus continues to build around Morocco’s autonomy plan, Kenya’s support could influence other African nations to follow suit.
