Panama Embraces Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as Only Practical Path for Sahara Peace

In a televised statement, Panama’s Foreign Minister calls Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative the “only credible and applicable solution” for the Sahara conflict — reinforcing growing international consensus at the UN.

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Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez declared firm support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara provinces, calling it the sole viable resolution recognized by the international community. As a 2025–2026 UN Security Council member, Panama’s endorsement signals a pivotal diplomatic alignment.

Panama City – August 5, 2025 —
In a significant diplomatic development, Panama has formally expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in the Sahara provinces, marking a strategic alignment with a growing bloc of international actors endorsing the North African kingdom’s proposal as the only path to a lasting solution.

In a televised statement broadcast nationally and shared through diplomatic channels, Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez, affirmed:

“Panama recognizes and supports Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal for the Sahara as the only credible, realistic, and applicable solution under international law. This position reflects our commitment to peace, stability, and regional cooperation.”

The announcement comes at a critical moment, as Panama begins its term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (2025–2026) — a role that grants it voting power on resolutions affecting international peace and security, including matters concerning the Sahara.

Panama’s Evolving Role on the World Stage

Historically neutral on the Western Sahara issue, Panama’s declaration represents a notable evolution in its foreign policy, aligning the Central American nation with a growing list of Security Council members — including the United States, France, the UAE, and Gabon — who now view Morocco’s autonomy framework as the most practical, internationally supported basis for resolving the conflict.

“Panama’s voice carries weight in current UNSC deliberations,” said Dr. Laila Idrissi, an expert in multilateral diplomacy based in Rabat. “Its alignment with Morocco not only reflects geopolitical awareness, but also reinforces a legal and diplomatic consensus that’s rapidly consolidating at the United Nations.”

The Autonomy Plan and Its Global Recognition

Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, submitted to the UN in 2007, proposes granting the Sahara region broad self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. The plan has received increasing support from key nations and blocs, who regard it as a realistic compromise in contrast to older proposals for independence or referenda — options the UN has failed to implement over decades of stalled negotiations.

The Panamanian MoFA reiterated that Morocco’s plan is consistent with UN Security Council resolutions, including the most recent ones urging “realistic, practical, and mutually acceptable” solutions.

Human and Regional Impact

Panama’s endorsement also carries humanitarian and economic implications, as stability in the Sahara affects migration routes, trade corridors, and counterterrorism coordination across West and North Africa.
By backing the autonomy plan, Panama strengthens international calls to end the protracted dispute that has impeded development and caused displacement in parts of the region.

“The people of the Sahara deserve peace and prosperity,” said Minister Martinez-Acha Vasquez. “We believe Morocco’s initiative offers a responsible way forward, one that prioritizes local governance and investment while maintaining territorial integrity.”

Rising Diplomatic Momentum

Panama joins over 85 countries worldwide that now support Morocco’s proposal — a shift that reflects increasing frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations led by the United Nations’ Personal Envoy.

The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by welcoming Panama’s position, calling it “a reaffirmation of the growing global recognition of Morocco’s commitment to peace, autonomy, and sustainable regional development.”

As UNSC discussions on the Sahara are expected to intensify in the coming months, Panama’s voice may help tip the diplomatic scales further toward a resolution rooted in autonomy — and away from indefinite status quo or unfeasible alternatives.