By Loveth Henry | National News

Colombia has announced a major shift in its position on the disputed Western Sahara issue, declaring its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory’s southern provinces.

The announcement was made on Friday during a meeting between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Colombia’s Vice-President, José Manuel Restrepo, in the presence of Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Omar Bula Escobar.

According to a statement issued by Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bula Escobar affirmed that Colombia “recognises Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” signalling a significant change in the South American country’s previous position on the dispute.

Restrepo described the development as “a new beginning” in relations between Colombia and Morocco, while identifying Morocco as Colombia’s “first ally in Africa.”

He also expressed Colombia’s determination to establish a strategic partnership with Morocco, according to the statement.

Bourita described Colombia’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as “historic.”

He said the decision could provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and strategic cooperation.

The Moroccan minister also said the two countries could serve as economic gateways for each other, leveraging Morocco’s position in Africa and Colombia’s strategic location in Latin America.

Bourita was in Cali at the instruction of King Mohammed VI to represent Morocco at the investiture ceremony of Colombia’s new President, Abelardo de la Espriella.

He said his presence at the ceremony demonstrated Morocco’s commitment to strengthening the new momentum in relations and elevating bilateral ties to a higher level.

Colombia’s latest position adds to a growing list of countries that have withdrawn or suspended recognition of the SADR while backing the United Nations-led political process aimed at resolving the Western Sahara dispute.

Earlier in 2026, Bolivia, Mali and Honduras also announced the suspension of their recognition of the SADR.

Several other countries have recognised Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory’s southern provinces and expressed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a credible and realistic framework for resolving the long-running dispute.

The Western Sahara conflict has remained one of North Africa’s most enduring territorial disputes, with Morocco controlling most of the territory while the Polisario Front has sought independence.