Kenya has announced its support for Morocco’s plan to grant autonomy to the disputed Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty.
This move aligns Kenya with a growing number of African, Arab, and Western countries backing Morocco’s proposal in the decades-long conflict.
The joint statement, issued after talks between Kenyan and Moroccan foreign ministers in Rabat, views the Moroccan plan as the most credible and realistic solution to the dispute.
The conflict, which dates back to 1975, opposes Morocco, which claims the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara.
Kenya’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan is seen as a significant development, potentially paving the way for similar moves by other countries in East and Central Africa.
As part of the strengthened bilateral relations, Kenya has opened an embassy in Rabat, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties with Morocco.
The two countries have agreed to cooperate in various sectors, including renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, and cultural affairs.
Morocco will accelerate exports of soil nutrients to Kenya, while Kenya aims to increase exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed Kenya’s position, stating it adds new momentum to bilateral relations.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi also expressed interest in exporting more Kenyan products to Morocco to balance trade.
Additionally, Kenya backed Morocco’s initiative to provide landlocked Sahel states access to global trade through Morocco’s Atlantic ports.
