Kenya has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, describing it as the only credible and realistic solution to the decades-long territorial dispute. The endorsement was announced in a joint statement issued Monday following bilateral talks between the countries’ foreign ministers in Rabat.
The statement marks a significant shift in Kenya’s stance on the Western Sahara issue, aligning Nairobi with a growing number of African, Arab, and Western nations that support Morocco’s proposal to grant the region autonomy under its sovereignty.
“The Kingdom of Morocco’s initiative is the sole sustainable approach to resolving the Western Sahara conflict,” the statement read, reflecting Kenya’s newly declared position after 60 years of bilateral relations with Rabat.
The Western Sahara conflict, which began in 1975, has long pitted Morocco against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the sparsely populated desert region.
During the high-level visit, Kenya inaugurated its new embassy in Rabat, a symbolic gesture underscoring its deepening ties with Morocco. Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the growing partnership by announcing that Kenya aims to expand its exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco in a bid to balance bilateral trade.
Morocco, in turn, committed to immediately boosting its exports of phosphates and fertilizers to Kenya. The two nations also pledged to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, and cultural and religious exchanges.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita hailed Kenya’s support for Morocco’s “national cause,” saying it gives “new impetus” to the countries’ strategic partnership.
Kenya also backed a Moroccan initiative aimed at opening Atlantic trade corridors to landlocked Sahel countries, further strengthening Rabat’s vision of regional economic integration.
Written By Rodney Mbua
