The Western Sahara file is seeing a new diplomatic development. The United Kingdom reaffirms its support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. This position is part of an international dynamic, but it does not achieve consensus.
The United Kingdom confirms its position on the Western Sahara issue. Following a meeting in London on April 23, 2026, between the British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, the British government described Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “most credible, viable, and pragmatic” basis for reaching a solution. This statement is in line with the ongoing strategic rapprochement between Morocco and the United Kingdom in recent years. This support is not isolated. Several major powers, including the United States and France, have already expressed similar positions, strengthening the diplomatic momentum in favor of the Kingdom in this issue.
This is a decision that marks a turning point. It fits into a dynamic where already two permanent members of the UN Security Council have taken the same position, namely the United States of America and France. This means that three out of five member states support the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for a definitive settlement of the problem imposed on Morocco by its neighbor.
Mohammed Benhammou, President of the Moroccan Center for Strategic Studies (CMES)
However, on the political ground, the situation remains unchanged. The Polisario Front continues to reject the Moroccan plan, defending the option of a self-determination referendum. This position is notably supported by Algeria, a key actor in this regional conflict. Despite these differences, the United Kingdom insists on a United Nations–led solution, calling on the parties to resume negotiations.
It appears particularly timely that the United Kingdom, as a permanent member of the Security Council, supports Resolution 2797. In this regard, the evolution of its position, now more assertive and favorable to the autonomy plan, sends a clear signal to both its allies and all states committed to establishing lasting peace in the region.
Liam FOX, British Member of Parliament
More than forty years after the beginning of the Western Sahara conflict, this file remains one of the most complex on the African continent. Originally, the crisis dates back to Spain’s departure in 1975, followed by the Green March, which marked Morocco’s entry into the territory. Since then, the dispute has opposed Rabat to the Polisario Front, supported notably by Algeria. In this context, the United Kingdom long maintained a cautious position, favoring a solution under the auspices of the United Nations.
