Nairobi: The Republic of Kenya on Thursday formally expressed its support for the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, signaling a strengthened diplomatic alignment with the Kingdom of Morocco on the long-standing Sahara issue.
The position was articulated during the inaugural session of the Morocco–Kenya Joint Cooperation Commission held in Nairobi. The meeting was co-chaired by Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi.
In a Joint Communiqué issued at the conclusion of the session, Kenya welcomed the growing international momentum supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan, led by King Mohammed VI, describing it as “the only credible and realistic solution” to resolving the dispute over the Sahara.
Kenya further characterized the autonomy initiative as a “sustainable approach” to addressing the regional dispute and underscored its intention to collaborate with like-minded nations to advance its implementation.
The communiqué also highlighted Kenya’s endorsement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognizes the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as the foundation for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution. Nairobi reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating negotiations based on this framework.
For its part, Morocco welcomed Kenya’s firm backing of the United Nations-led process as the exclusive mechanism for achieving a lasting political settlement. Rabat also expressed appreciation for Kenya’s recognition of Morocco’s continued engagement and cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in advancing the political process in line with relevant Security Council resolutions.
The development marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations while reinforcing international support for Morocco’s proposed autonomy framework.
BY: The Times Union
