Western Sahara Breakthrough: Portugal Endorses Morocco’s Peace Initiative

Portugal joins France, Spain, and the UK in backing Morocco’s autonomy proposal, reinforcing international support for a peaceful resolution to the decades-long Western Sahara conflict.

Rabat, July 2025 — In a diplomatic move expected to reverberate across North Africa and European foreign policy circles, Portugal has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, describing it as a “serious and credible” basis for resolving the protracted territorial conflict. The endorsement came from Portuguese Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho during an official visit to Rabat, where he reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a peaceful, negotiated solution within the framework of the United Nations.

“We consider the Moroccan autonomy initiative a serious and credible proposal,” said Cravinho at a joint press conference with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. “It contributes positively to the political process aimed at reaching a realistic, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.”

🔎 A Strategic Shift in European Diplomacy

Portugal’s statement aligns it with France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, all of whom have previously expressed support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy initiative, which envisions granting the Western Sahara region broad self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. This growing bloc of European support reflects a notable shift away from neutrality and toward a pragmatic recognition of Morocco’s leadership in seeking a solution to the decades-long dispute.

“This is more than symbolic—it’s strategic,” said Dr. Amina El Mansouri, a geopolitical analyst at the University of Lisbon. “Portugal’s endorsement sends a message to other EU partners and enhances Rabat’s legitimacy in international forums.”

⚖️ Context: A Conflict Frozen in Time

The Western Sahara conflict dates back to 1975, following Spain’s withdrawal from the territory and the emergence of competing claims between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a separatist movement backed by Algeria that seeks independence for the region. Since then, the territory has remained the subject of intense political dispute, occasional clashes, and a stalled UN-led negotiation process.

Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, which proposes Sahrawi self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty with its own parliament and judiciary, has been widely praised for balancing local governance with national unity. The plan has increasingly gained traction as an alternative to full independence, which many international observers view as impractical and destabilizing.

🌍 Broader Implications for Regional Peace and Security

Portugal’s move is seen as a diplomatic win for Morocco and a sign of EU alignment toward stability in the Maghreb region, particularly as Europe faces challenges related to migration, energy security, and terrorism originating from ungoverned spaces.

“European support for the autonomy plan helps close the chapter on an outdated ideological conflict and opens space for real development in the region,” said Mohamed Bouzid, director of the North African Peace Institute. He added that regional tensions with Algeria could still complicate diplomatic progress, but that international consensus around Morocco’s plan could serve as a stabilizing force.

👥 Human Impact: Hope for the Displaced

For tens of thousands of Sahrawis living in refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, the international community’s evolving stance on the conflict represents a sliver of hope. Many have endured generations of displacement with limited access to education, healthcare, or economic opportunities.

“I was born in Tindouf and I don’t want my children to grow up stateless,” said Sahrawi teacher Leila Mahmoud. “A solution—any solution that brings peace—matters more than endless talks.”

Portugal’s endorsement is expected to add momentum to Morocco’s diplomatic outreach, especially in Africa and Latin America, where Rabat has been actively rallying support for its sovereignty claims.

🏛️ Lisbon’s Diplomatic Statement in Full

In its official communiqué, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed:

“Portugal supports the efforts made in the framework of the United Nations to achieve a fair and lasting solution for the Western Sahara. We consider Morocco’s autonomy plan, presented in 2007, as a serious and credible proposal and a significant step toward this goal.”