Kenya announced its support for Morocco’s plan to grant autonomy to the disputed Western Sahara region under Morocco’s sovereignty, aligning with a growing number of African, Arab, and Western nations backing Rabat in the decades-long conflict.
The conflict, ongoing since 1975, pits Morocco, which claims the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which advocates for an independent Western Sahara.
In a joint statement following talks between the two nations’ foreign ministers in Rabat, Kenya called Morocco’s plan the “only credible and realistic solution” and the “sole sustainable approach.”
Additionally, Kenya opened an embassy in Rabat on Monday, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Morocco, a leading producer of phosphates and fertilizers, pledged to fast-track exports of soil nutrients to Kenya, while the two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, and cultural and religious matters.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized that Kenya’s stance on Western Sahara, which he referred to as “the national cause,” was a catalyst for deepening bilateral ties.
Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi stated on X that Kenya is looking to increase exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco to improve the trade balance.
Kenya also endorsed Morocco’s initiative to provide landlocked Sahel countries access to global trade via Morocco’s Atlantic ports, as outlined in the joint statement.