Latest news with #SADR
Ya Biladi
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco and Algeria allies clash in PARLACEN over Western Sahara issue
The Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) recently became the scene of a diplomatic standoff between allies of Morocco and Algeria. During a plenary session held on May 28 in Panama City, José Antonio Zepeda, vice president of PARLACEN's leftist group and representative of Nicaragua, a country with longstanding ties to the so-called «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)» read out a declaration of support for the «SADR». The text described the entity as the «sole and legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people», claiming it is backed by the African Union and over 80 countries worldwide. The declaration also praised «the diplomatic and political efforts of the Polisario Front, its legitimate political organization», aimed at implementing the 1991 Peace Agreement that calls for a self-determination referendum. It urged the international community to enforce the agreement and allow the Sahrawi people to freely determine their future. The statement, aligned with Algeria's position on the Sahara, drew sharp criticism from Guatemalan lawmakers. On June 12, thirteen PARLACEN members from Guatemala issued a counter-declaration in support of Morocco's territorial integrity. In their response, the MPs expressed «gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco as a friendly state and strategic partner of PARLACEN, committed to peace, development, and cooperation among nations». They also called on PARLACEN's presidency to ensure that institutional statements reflect the legitimate consensus of all members and are not used to promote individual ideological agendas, in order to preserve the forum's credibility and neutrality. The political tug-of-war between Morocco and Algeria-aligned camps within PARLACEN appears to be escalating. This week, a delegation of Nicaraguan MPs who sit in PARLACEN arrived in Algiers for a visit. On Tuesday, they met with Mohamed Khouane, president of the Foreign Affairs, Community Affairs, and Cooperation Committee of Algeria's National People's Assembly (APN). According to the Nicaraguan delegation, the visit aimed to «initiate political and diplomatic dialogue with the Algerian National People's Assembly». The lawmakers were also received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Secretary of State in charge of the Algerian community abroad. Talks reportedly focused on «strengthening friendship and cooperation between Algeria and PARLACEN, with the goal of creating a new dynamic in parliamentary relations and joint initiatives with member states of this regional legislative body», according to a statement by Algerian diplomacy. For context, Algeria's lower house signed a memorandum of understanding with PARLACEN on December 4, 2024, in Panama City. PARLACEN includes six member states: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Algeria also holds observer status in the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) since September 2024. Despite Algeria's push, Morocco enjoys significant support within PARLACEN. On May 2, during a visit to Laâyoune, the body's president, Carlos René Hernández, publicly reaffirmed the Moroccan identity of the Sahara.
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Western Sahara: Panama Renews Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Rabat – Panama renewed its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a serious, credible, and realistic basis to resolve the dispute over Western Sahara. Panama's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez, reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity on Monday following a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, today in Rabat. During a press conference, the Panamanian minister stressed that Morocco's 2007 Autonomy Plan 'should be the only solution in the future,' noting that his position on the dispute is clear and firm – backing the Moroccan initiative as a path toward a lasting resolution. Morocco's autonomy initiative has been enjoying growing support with over 113 countries – seeing it as the most or only feasible political framework to end the dispute. In November last year, Panama suspended diplomatic relations with the self-styled SADR, a separatist group controlled by Algeria and run by Polisario's leadership. 'The Republic of Panama , prioritizing national interests and remaining faithful to the fundamental principles of its foreign policy, reaffirms its conviction in the objectives and values that guide multilateralism and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting the efforts made by the Secretary General and the international community, under the framework of the UN, toward a peaceful, just, sustainable, and acceptable solution for the parties concerned with the Sahara issue,' a statement from the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Following the official announcement, Panama announced its support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute. It also recalls the importance of advancing the political process on the international level, supporting the UN-led political process in finding a mutually acceptable and agreed-upon solution to the dispute. During his working visit, the Panamanian foreign minister also delivered a written message to King Mohammed VI from the president of the country Jose Raul Moulino. A statement published by Morocco's news agency said the message 'Reflects the will of the Heads of State of both countries to strengthen the positive momentum in Morocco-Panama relations and to elevate them to broader horizons of cooperation and complementarity in the service of the two friendly nations.' Tags: 2007 Autonomy planAlgeria and the Sahara
Morocco World
09-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Ghanaians Can Now Travel to Morocco Without Traditional Visa
Doha – Ghanaian citizens no longer need to obtain traditional visas to enter Morocco, following a new bilateral agreement between the two African countries. The landmark policy change, which takes immediate effect, replaces embassy appointments with an online travel authorization system promising approvals within 24 hours. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development during his two-day working visit to Rabat. 'This is one of the key agreements reached with the Moroccan Foreign Minister during my two-day working visit,' Ablakwa stated. The minister shared the news on his official social media pages on Friday, explaining that Ghanaians can now travel to Morocco using an electronic authorization system. Moroccan officials confirmed the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens. 'We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens,' Ablakwa said during a press briefing with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. 'Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted.' The visa waiver policy aims to significantly enhance trade, boost tourism, and deepen interpersonal connections between the two countries. Existing direct flights operated by Royal Air Maroc will be increased to support this new agreement, potentially establishing daily connections between Casablanca and Accra. 'This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination,' Ablakwa added. In their joint statement, both ministers affirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development. They also revealed intentions to finalize a complete visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports in the future. Beyond facilitating travel, the diplomatic engagement produced a seismic shift in Ghana's foreign policy. During the same visit, Ghana formally terminated its recognition of 'SADR,' the paper state proclaimed by the separatist Polisario Front, which it had supported since 1979. Ghana now fully backs Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, describing it as 'the only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution' to the regional dispute. The ministerial meetings yielded several additional cooperation agreements. Both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to enhance diplomatic coordination. Morocco pledged to increase scholarships for Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually across various disciplines through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). 'This is excellent news for us,' Ablakwa remarked. 'Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation.' Economic collaboration featured prominently in discussions, with plans for a joint business forum focusing on fertilizer supply—a strategic sector given Ghana's annual import bill of over $3 billion in agricultural products. Both countries will deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, with special attention to Ghana's cocoa sector. 'Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend,' said Ablakwa. 'Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs.' Transportation links also received attention during Ablakwa's meeting with Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh. Both parties discussed opportunities in air connectivity, maritime transport, and logistics. Ablakwa mentioned that President John Mahama hopes to make a state visit to Morocco soon, reciprocating King Mohammed VI's 2017 visit to Accra, during which 25 bilateral agreements were signed across key sectors. 'The borders in Africa must not be allowed to divide us—they can be bridges of connectivity. Diplomacy must make meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve,' Ablakwa concluded. The current agreement builds on earlier discussions between the two countries. In March, Ablakwa met with Morocco's Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil, where they initially agreed to introduce a visa waiver for travelers from both countries. This development goes in line with Ghana's broader visa liberalization policy. In January, then-President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the removal of visa requirements for all African passport holders effective January 1, making Ghana the fifth African country to implement such a policy after Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin. Morocco and Ghana have steadily strengthened their bilateral relations in recent years. In January, Morocco was represented at Ghana's presidential inauguration, with Moroccan officials participating in the ceremony that saw President John Mahama take office. The two countries position their engagement as a model for strengthening intra-African partnerships.
Morocco World
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algeria Faces Major Setback as Ghana Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Rabat — In another diplomatic setback for Algeria, Ghana has once again reaffirmed its support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the only viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute. This comes just months after Algeria claimed that Ghana had reversed its stance on the issue — a claim that has now been officially dismissed. In a joint statement signed in Rabat by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, last Friday, Ghana recognized 'the exclusivity of the Autonomy Plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2007 as the only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution' to the regional dispute. This declaration reinforces Ghana's decision on January 7, 2025, to withdraw its recognition of the self-proclaimed 'SADR' (so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic). The move aligns Ghana with the growing international consensus in support of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration confirmed that it had communicated this position to Morocco, the African Union, and the United Nations through official diplomatic channels. The ministry emphasized Ghana's backing for the 'good-faith efforts made by the Kingdom of Morocco to reach a solution accepted by all parties.' Ghana had originally recognized the Polisario-led 'SADR' in 1979 but has now decisively shifted its position in line with over 113 countries — more than 60% of UN member states — that support Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most credible political framework to resolve the conflict. This reversal is part of a broader regional trend. Kenya, once considered a stronghold of pro-Polisario sentiment and a vocal ally of Algeria's stance on the Sahara, has also announced its support for Morocco's proposal. These developments signal a growing momentum in favor of Morocco's sovereignty , leaving Algeria's foreign policy increasingly isolated. Adding to Algeria's diplomatic frustrations, the United Kingdom — a permanent member of the UN Security Council — recently expressed its clear endorsement of Morocco's Autonomy Plan. The UK's support is more than symbolic; it adds significant international weight to Morocco's position. According to recent figures from Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 113 countries around the world support the moroccan autonomy plan. On the other hand, 46 countries, including 13 African nations, have cut or frozen their ties with the Polisario since 2000. The increasing number of countries distancing themselves from the separatist group highlights the shifting dynamics on the global stage — where realism and pragmatism are replacing outdated allegiances. Tags: Algeria and Western Saharaautonomy planGhanaSahara
Ya Biladi
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya's parliament speaker, key Polisario ally, meets Algerian envoy in Nairobi
Shortly Kenya expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Algerian ambassador to Nairobi, Mahi Boumediene, met with Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly. «This evening, I held a cordial engagement with H.E. Mahi Boumediene, Ambassador of Algeria to Kenya. We discussed shared bilateral interests and explored ways to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy between our two nations», Wetangula wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Moses Wetangula is widely regarded as a key ally of the Polisario Front. A report published in October 2022 by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS) revealed that Wetangula, a former foreign minister, had persuaded President William Ruto to retract a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which Ruto announced the severing of diplomatic ties with the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic» (SADR). Wetangula is a prominent figure in Kenya's political landscape. He is the leader of FORD Kenya, a party within the Kenya Kwanza coalition that supported Ruto's successful presidential bid in August 2022. A few weeks after the meeting on January 26, 2023, in Dakar between Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and President Ruto, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. Wetangula publicly reiterated this stance following the signing of the «Tangier Appeal» in November 2023—an initiative by several African political figures calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union—during a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi. «I assured him of the importance of keeping the Sahrawi Republic on the AU agenda» and its «membership in the African Union», he emphasized.
