Portugal Endorses Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Disputed Western Sahara

Portugal has officially announced its support for Morocco’s proposal to grant autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty to the disputed territory of Western Sahara, joining a growing list of nations backing Rabat’s plan.

This endorsement was delivered during a high-level diplomatic meeting on Tuesday between Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Rabat.

The Western Sahara Dispute

Despite the UN’s intention to hold a referendum on self-determination, Morocco has consistently opposed any vote that includes independence as an option. Instead, Rabat promotes its autonomy plan, first proposed in 2007, as the only realistic solution.

Portugal’s Position

In a joint press conference, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated:

“Morocco’s autonomy proposal is the most serious, credible and constructive basis for resolving the Western Sahara issue.”

He added that any solution must be conducted under UN auspices, reflecting Portugal’s continued support for multilateral frameworks.

This move aligns Portugal with several other Western powers that have publicly endorsed Morocco’s plan in recent years, including:

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed Portugal’s endorsement, stating that it:

“Further strengthens the cooperation between the two countries.”

Western Sahara remains one of the longest-running territorial disputes in modern history, and Morocco has been ramping up international support to solidify its sovereignty claims. Portugal’s backing is significant, as it adds weight within the European Union and enhances Rabat’s push for broader legitimacy on the global stage.

Meanwhile, the Polisario Front, which seeks full independence for Western Sahara, continues to enjoy the backing of Algeria, Morocco’s regional rival. The dispute has strained Morocco–Algeria relations for decades.

UN Involvement and Next Steps

The UN Security Council urged all parties in October 2024 to resume negotiations “in good faith”, yet progress remains stalled. MINURSO’s mandate continues, though its political influence has been limited.

Portugal’s support could reinvigorate diplomatic dialogue, especially within the framework of EU–Africa relations, where Portugal plays a visible role.

As the list of countries supporting Morocco’s plan grows, the pressure mounts on the international community—and the UN in particular—to find a pragmatic, mutually agreeable solution to a conflict that has persisted for nearly five decades