Omanghana
Colombia has announced its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, reversing the position adopted by the previous administration of former President Gustavo Petro.
The decision was unveiled on Friday, August 7, 2026, following a high-level meeting in Cali involving Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
Bourita travelled to Colombia as King Mohammed VI’s representative at the inauguration of the country’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella.
During the meeting, Bula Escobar said the Colombian government recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory, establishing a new direction in Bogotá’s foreign policy.
The announcement effectively reverses the Petro administration’s decision to restore diplomatic recognition to the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which is proclaimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
Morocco controls most of Western Sahara and considers it part of its sovereign territory. The Polisario Front seeks independence for the territory, which the United Nations continues to classify as a non-self-governing territory.
Colombia’s new position therefore represents a significant diplomatic gain for Morocco in its longstanding campaign to secure international support for its claim.
Bourita described the decision as historic and said it could create fresh momentum in relations between Morocco and Colombia.
Vice President Restrepo similarly characterized the policy change as “a new beginning,” identifying Morocco as Colombia’s leading strategic partner in Africa.
The two governments are expected to pursue broader cooperation in trade, investment, maritime development and port infrastructure. Discussions could also explore the possibility of a free trade agreement.
Moroccan and Colombian officials said their countries could serve as economic gateways for one another, using their respective positions in Africa and Latin America to expand commercial opportunities.
The decision places Colombia alongside the United States, which formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in December 2020. Washington subsequently reaffirmed that position and continued to support Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a basis for resolving the dispute.
The recognition is also a setback for the Polisario Front and Algeria, which supports Sahrawi independence and maintains that the territory’s people should determine their future through a referendum.
While Morocco has presented the decision as evidence of growing international support for its territorial position, the final political status of Western Sahara remains unresolved under the United Nations-led process.
No independently confirmed details were immediately available regarding reports that Colombia intends to close diplomatic missions in countries supporting the Polisario Front.
The policy reversal is expected to strengthen ties between Bogotá and Rabat while reshaping Colombia’s diplomatic relationships in North Africa. Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Source: Omanghana
