Morocco’s autonomy plan now has the support of around 120 countries. This broad international backing strengthens Rabat’s position in the ongoing negotiations. Meeting in Madrid on 8 and 9 February 2026, the various stakeholders examined a detailed version of the project, set out in a document of around 40 pages.
Morocco’s proposal for autonomy in Western Sahara has reached a new diplomatic milestone. According to Moroccan authorities, nearly 120 countries, including the United States, Spain and France, now explicitly support this initiative. For Rabat, this growing support is a sign of international momentum in favour of a political solution based on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
While recalling the international momentum, especially the international support of more than 120 countries that support the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative. Dozens of countries have recognised the Moroccan character of the Sahara. The three permanent members of the Security Council, which in itself recognises the Moroccan character, support the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as the one and only solution, more than two-thirds of the members of the European Union are in favour of the initiative to definitively resolve this issue, and His Majesty the King. Referring to all these results, he said, and I quote His Majesty the King: ‘These positions in favour of justice and legitimacy inspire us with honour and pride.
Omar Hilale, Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission
The Spanish press, in particular, revealed the existence of a 40-page document detailing this proposal. Although it has not been published in its entirety, this text is said to set out the legal basis for the project, its institutional organisation and the guarantees relating to sovereignty, in order to structure the discussions between the parties concerned.
The initiative presented by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2007 is a serious and credible proposal, as recognised by the Security Council in its various relevant resolutions. This initiative offers us a solution to empower the local population, guarantee their rights, encourage their active participation in the management of their internal affairs, while contributing to the stability of the region.
Juan De Dios EDJO MEMBA, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations
The plan provides for the creation of an autonomous Sahrawi region within the Kingdom, with a parliament, a government and a judicial system with jurisdiction over local affairs. This region would exercise responsibilities in areas such as education, health, urban planning, fisheries and economic development.
The Republic of The Gambia stands ready and committed to supporting Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region. We want to ensure that we continue to promote and remain ready to support Morocco’s autonomy plan. We believe that this is a credible plan. We also believe that it is the only solution to this issue.
Sering Madou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs – The Gambia
The central government would retain control over « sovereign powers, » including key areas such as defence, security, diplomacy, currency, nationality, and national symbols. The head of the regional government would be selected from the majority party in the local parliament but formally appointed by King Mohammed VI.
