Kenya supports Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara

Kenya expressed its support for Morocco’s proposal to grant autonomy to the disputed Western Sahara region while maintaining Moroccan sovereignty.

This aligns Kenya with an increasing number of African, Arab, and Western nations showing support for Rabat in the longstanding conflict.

The dispute, which has been unresolved since 1975, involves Morocco claiming the territory as part of its kingdom, opposed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front that demands independence for the desert region.

Following discussions between the foreign ministers of both countries in Rabat, a joint statement was released in which Kenya described Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only viable and realistic path toward a lasting resolution.

After 60 years of diplomatic relations, Kenya officially opened its embassy in Rabat on Monday.

Morocco, a major producer of phosphates and fertilizers, has committed to quickly increase exports of these essential soil nutrients to Kenya.

The two nations also plan to collaborate in areas such as renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, as well as cultural and religious matters, according to the joint statement.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita told reporters that Kenya’s support for Western Sahara described as "the national cause" has given new momentum to the bilateral relationship.

Kenya's Foreign Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi shared on his X account that Kenya aims to boost exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco in order to improve trade balance.

Additionally, Kenya endorsed a Moroccan initiative that would grant landlocked Sahel countries access to international markets through Morocco’s Atlantic ports, the joint statement added.