Latest news with #SADR
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Kenya's parliament speaker, key Polisario ally, meets Algerian envoy in Nairobi
Shortly Kenya expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the Algerian ambassador to Nairobi, Mahi Boumediene, met with Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly. «This evening, I held a cordial engagement with H.E. Mahi Boumediene, Ambassador of Algeria to Kenya. We discussed shared bilateral interests and explored ways to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy between our two nations», Wetangula wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Moses Wetangula is widely regarded as a key ally of the Polisario Front. A report published in October 2022 by the South African-based Institute for Security Studies (ISS) revealed that Wetangula, a former foreign minister, had persuaded President William Ruto to retract a tweet posted on September 14, 2022, in which Ruto announced the severing of diplomatic ties with the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic» (SADR). Wetangula is a prominent figure in Kenya's political landscape. He is the leader of FORD Kenya, a party within the Kenya Kwanza coalition that supported Ruto's successful presidential bid in August 2022. A few weeks after the meeting on January 26, 2023, in Dakar between Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and President Ruto, Wetangula traveled to Algeria, where he met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and reaffirmed his support for the Polisario. Wetangula publicly reiterated this stance following the signing of the «Tangier Appeal» in November 2023—an initiative by several African political figures calling for the expulsion of the «SADR» from the African Union—during a meeting with the Polisario representative in Nairobi. «I assured him of the importance of keeping the Sahrawi Republic on the AU agenda» and its «membership in the African Union», he emphasized.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
El Salvador Could Open Consulate in Morocco's Laayoune
Rabat – In addition to its unwavering support for the Autonomy Plan as a good basis to end the dispute over Western Sahara, El Salvador is discussing with Rabat the possibility of opening a consulate general in the city of Laayoune. On Monday, Salvadoran Vice President Felix Ulloa reiterated his country's support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative during a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart in Quito, Ecuador, where the Moroccan official represented King Mohammed VI at the inauguration ceremony of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. During the meeting, the two officials discussed the 'possibility of opening a consulate' in El Salvador in the Moroccan southern city. The move is seen as a 'key step' in recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. The two countries also reviewed bilateral ties, reaffirming their commitment to boosting diplomatic and bilateral cooperation and ties. In 2019, El Salvador withdrew its recognition of the self-styled SADR, announcing support for Morocco's territorial integrity. Breaking all contact with the separatist group, the country has also been reiterating its unwavering and steadfast support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a serious and credible political solution to end the dispute over Western Sahara. In February this year, the vice president of El Salvador made a similar statement, stressing that this country strengthened cooperation relations with Morocco from 2019. Ties were 'further solidified with the opening of the embassy in Rabat in 2022. These steps have marked an important phase in El Salvador's foreign policy,' he said, noting that similar levels of ties is a renewal of the country's commitment to supporting Morocco's sovereignty over all of its territory, including it's provinces in the Sahara. Laayoune and Dakhla as hubs of support El Salvador will join at least 30 countries from different regions across the world, which have decided to open consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla to reflect their unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. Dakhla hosts consulate representatives from several countries, including Haiti, Suriname, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cape Verde, Djibouti, and Burkina Faso. The region also hosts the representative of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. As for Laayoune, the region hosts Jordanian representative, as well as consulates of Bahrain, UAE, Burundi, Central Africa Republic, Comores, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, and Cote d'Ivoire. The growing momentum supporting Morocco's territorial integrity also reflects an international shift in understanding the dispute – particularly among countries that were previously uncertain or hesitant to join the trend. Some countries were puzzled by the dispute due to Algeria's lobbying attempts and maneuvers, portraying the separatist group as a victim of colonization through its diplomatic maneuvers and lobbying despite clear legal and historical evidence affirming that the region has always been an integral part of Morocco. Breaking Algeria's deep-rooted support for separatism Recent developments, including international calls, have exposed Algeria's deep-rooted support for separatism and interference in the domestic affairs of other countries. Notably, many politicians have been calling on their countries to designate the Polisario Front not just as a separatist group but a terrorist organization due to its ties to Sahel-based drug traffickers and its terrorist acts against Morocco. The clear vision is contributing to breaking long-held stereotypes, encouraging many other countries to reconsider their positions. A notable example is Kenya, which has recently joined a group of 113 countries that view Morocco s Autonomy Plan as a serious and credible political solution. 'The Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation,' a joint statement said on Monday. The statement came following talks between Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenya's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Kenya had been a steadfast supporter of the Polisario Front. But in 2022, President Ruto signaled that his country would no longer recognize SADR. The announcement was soon deleted from X, where the President announced the news, but the message is still clear about the shift. Read Also: Western Sahara: Has Moroccan Diplomacy Really Failed in Kenya? Moroccan political observers have predicted Kenya's upcoming support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan, including Moroccan foreign policy expert Samir Bennis. In a statement on X, Bennis stressed that this prediction has grown further when Kenya abstained from voting on UN Security Council Resolution 2654 of October 2022. 'Today, Kenya has officially declared that Morocco's autonomy initiative represents the 'only sustainable approach' to resolving the Western Sahara dispute,' Bennis wrote, noting that this development represents a resounding blow to Algeria's military regime. For the analyst, the announcement marks a turning point in the diplomatic landscape surrounding the dispute, as it also reflects the total collapse and failure of the separatist agenda run and sponsored by Algeria. Even before Kenya explicitly expressed support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, the country signaled that it was leaning toward a change. 'With Kenya joining the growing list of countries backing Morocco's position, our country is closer than ever to turning this page for good,' the analyst added. Following Ruto's inauguration as president, officials from Kenya signaled potential stronger ties with Rabat. Algeria's regime, however, continued its maneuvers to maintain its influence. Observers, however, have long seen Kenya's new position coming as the country has been looking for credible partners that would support its ambitions in areas like agriculture and security. Tags: Algeria and Western SaharaMorocco
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Bourita, Kenya PM Inaugurate Country's First Embassy in Rabat
Doha – Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenyan Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi inaugurated Kenya's first embassy in Rabat on Monday. This is set to be the country's third diplomatic mission in North Africa, after Algeria and Egypt. The celebration also marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. 'This inauguration opens a new chapter in our bilateral relations,' Bourita stated during the ceremony. He noted the embassy would serve as a 'bridge' for future partnership between the two nations. Mudavadi asserted the new diplomatic mission 'offers both countries the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in various domains.' The Kenyan diplomat also reaffirmed his country's support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for the Western Sahara. The diplomatic normalization process began in September 2022 when Kenyan President William Ruto signaled an end to Kenya's decades-long recognition of the fictitious 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic' (SADR). Kenya previously hosted the separatist Polisario Front's self-proclaimed president, Brahim Ghali, and maintained a bogus Sahrawi mission in Nairobi. Relations accelerated rapidly afterward. In March 2023, Kenya's foreign affairs secretary made the first official visit to Rabat. By December 2023, Kenyan senators formally called on their government to open an embassy in Morocco. The relationship continued to strengthen in 2024. In March, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya became Kenya's first ambassador to Morocco. She presented her credentials to Bourita on August 30 of the same year. During today's visit, the two officials signed four memorandums of understanding. These agreements cover habitat, urbanism, youth, services, trade, and diplomatic training. Bourita announced the creation of a joint cooperation commission before year's end, complemented by an economic forum uniting business leaders from both nations. 'The Moroccan-Kenyan partnership should extend to strategic sectors including phosphates, fertilizers, and renewable energy,' Bourita said. He stressed that 'Morocco considers Kenya an essential actor in Africa.' Both ministers foregrounded the importance of political consultations within international forums. These consultations aim to align viewpoints on subjects of common interest, following principles of peace preservation and respect for state sovereignty. Kenya's official stance on the Sahara issue was formalized in a joint statement: 'The Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation.' The statement added that Kenya 'welcomes the growing international consensus and the momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco.' Mudavadi said Kenya follows with great interest Morocco's major diplomatic initiatives. He particularly praised those 'initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which deserve attention and support to achieve peaceful solutions to tensions and conflicts on the African continent.' The prime minister called the Moroccan economy 'emerging' and 'a leader on the continent.' He commended Morocco's support for African integration mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Morocco announced it would offer electronic visas to Kenyan citizens, reciprocating Kenya's similar policy for Moroccans. Rabat also pledged support for Nairobi, the headquarters of UN Environment, to host the next international conference on plastic pollution. Tags: morocco kenyaNasser Bourita
Ya Biladi
7 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Sahara : As break with Polisario looms, Kenya endorses Morocco's autonomy plan
This Monday in Rabat, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi met with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. Following their discussions, a joint communiqué was issued, the content of which is likely to cause consternation in Algeria and among the Polisario Front. «The Republic of Kenya welcomes the growing international consensus and the momentum driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco, considered as the only credible and realistic solution to resolve the dispute over the Sahara». The communiqué further states that «the Republic of Kenya regards the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach to resolving the Sahara issue and intends to collaborate with states sharing this vision to promote its implementation». For its part, «the Kingdom of Morocco welcomes Kenya's support for the United Nations framework, recognized as the only mechanism to achieve a lasting political solution to the Sahara dispute». This position deals a clear blow to Algeria and the Polisario, who continue to advocate for an «African settlement plan». Nairobi Distances Itself from the Polisario The two ministers reaffirmed «the exclusive role of the United Nations in the political process» and expressed support for Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2756 (2024), which Algeria opposed. To recall, Algeria boycotted the vote on this resolution on October 31, 2024. «Morocco appreciates Kenya's recognition of its ongoing cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to advance the political process based on the relevant Security Council resolutions». Strengthening Bilateral Ties On the bilateral front, the ministers emphasized «the importance of a high-level joint political dialogue to harmonize their positions within regional, continental, and multilateral bodies». The two countries committed to advancing their partnership by «immediately accelerating economic, commercial, and social exchanges in areas such as fisheries, agriculture, food security (including the import of fertilizers), health, tourism, renewable energy, security cooperation, and cultural, religious, and people-to-people exchanges». This is in line with the joint communiqué signed in Nairobi on September 14, 2022, during the meeting between Nasser Bourita and Kenyan President William Ruto. That meeting had notably seen Kenya announce the withdrawal of its recognition of the «SADR»—a decision that was short-lived. In the same spirit of cooperation, Morocco and Kenya announced the opening of a direct air link between Casablanca and Nairobi. «The Kingdom of Morocco has committed to signing a bilateral trade agreement within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance trading opportunities», the communiqué notes. On Monday, Minister Musalia Mudavadi also instructed Kenya's ambassador in Rabat to 'work towards reducing the current trade imbalance by increasing Kenyan tea and coffee exports to Morocco.' He highlighted that Kenyan imports—mainly fertilizers and other essential goods—amount to 12 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $93 million), while exports to Morocco remain significantly lower, at just 500 million Kenyan shillings (around $3.8 million).
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Kenya Turns Page on Sahara, Backs Morocco's Autonomy Plan
Doha – Kenya has officially declared Morocco's Autonomy Plan as 'the only sustainable approach' to resolve the Western Sahara dispute, marking a major diplomatic victory for Rabat. This position was formalized in a joint statement released Monday in Rabat following talks between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Kenya's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. 'The Republic of Kenya considers the autonomy plan as the only sustainable approach for resolving the Sahara issue and intends to cooperate with like-minded states to promote its implementation,' the statement said. Kenya also 'welcomes the growing international consensus and the momentum led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco as the only credible and realistic solution to resolve the dispute over the Sahara.' This announcement represents the culmination of a diplomatic normalization process that began with President William Ruto's arrival to power in 2022. The two-day official visit by Mudavadi to Morocco from May 26-27 cements this strategic realignment. Decades of tensions end The relationship between Kenya and Morocco had been frozen for decades over the Sahara issue. The relationship between Kenya and Morocco had been frozen for decades over the Sahara issue. Kenya previously actively supported the separatist Polisario Front's self-proclaimed 'Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR),' even hosting its president, Brahim Ghali, and maintaining a 'Sahrawi' mission in Nairobi. This stance changed dramatically on September 8, 2022, when President Ruto signaled Kenya would no longer recognize the fictitious 'SADR.' Though the tweet announcing this position was quickly deleted, it triggered a reassessment of Kenya's policy toward Morocco. Diplomatic relations accelerated rapidly afterward. In March 2023, Kenya's foreign affairs secretary made the first official visit to Rabat. By December 2023, Kenyan senators had formally called on the government to open an embassy in Morocco. In March 2024, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya became Kenya's first ambassador to Morocco. On August 30 of the same year, she presented copies of her credentials to Bourita. Kenya's 2025 foreign policy blueprint, Sessional Paper No. 1, officially removed any reference to the Sahara issue. During his current trip, Mudavadi is set to officially inaugurate the embassy and hold talks with his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch. This visit will also mark the establishment of Kenya's third diplomatic mission in North Africa, after Algeria and Egypt. Both ministers stressed 'the exclusivity of the United Nations in the political process' and reaffirmed their support for the UN Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2756 (2024), the statement adds. Morocco expressed appreciation for 'Kenya's recognition of Morocco's continued cooperation with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to advance the political process based on relevant Security Council resolutions.' Bilateral agreements inked During today's meeting, Bourita and Mudavadi signed several bilateral agreements covering various fields of cooperation. During today's meeting, Bourita and Mudavadi signed several bilateral agreements covering various fields of cooperation. They agreed to schedule the first session of the Morocco-Kenya Joint Cooperation Commission to establish the legal framework for initiatives that could strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two officials noted that bilateral relations have shown positive development, driven by increasing engagement at all levels since President Ruto came to power in 2022. This meeting is part of the new positive dynamic between the two countries. On the multilateral front, the two ministers reaffirmed the importance of political consultations within various international forums and organizations. These consultations aim to align viewpoints on subjects of common interest, following principles of peace preservation and respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. A major challenge in this normalization process is the trade imbalance between the two countries. In 2023, Kenya exported only 500 million shillings (about $3.85 million) worth of goods to Morocco, while importing 12 billion shillings (around $92.4 million) of Moroccan products. This created an 11.5 billion shilling (roughly $88.6 million) structural trade deficit for Kenya. Kenya's exports consist mainly of tea, coffee, textiles, and fruits, while Morocco primarily exports fertilizers, oils, and aircraft parts to Kenya. To combat this, Ambassador Gakinya has outlined a roadmap to strengthen Moroccan investments in Kenya's fertilizer sector while promoting Kenyan agricultural products in the Moroccan market. Morocco's OCP Group, the world's leading phosphate exporter, could establish a fertilizer plant in Kenya to transform the country's agricultural production. This partnership works to ensure stable and competitive local supply, going beyond simple commercial exchanges to include technology transfer and expertise in sustainable soil management and intensive agriculture. Tags: Autonomy Plan for the Saharamorocco kenyaWestern sahara
