Algeria Deplores UK’s Support for Morocco’s So-Called Autonomy Plan in Western Sahara

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers Condemns London’s Shift, Reaffirms Illegality of Moroccan Occupation and Calls on UK to Uphold UN Principles of Decolonization

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Algiers, Algeria | June 1st, 2025 —  Algeria has voiced deep regret and firm opposition to the United Kingdom’s recent endorsement of the so-called Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, denouncing it as a regrettable and misguided departure from international legality and United Nations principles on decolonization.

In a strongly worded communiqué released on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Algeria stressed that this British shift runs counter to the principles of self-determination and only emboldens Morocco’s continued occupation of the non-self-governing territory.

“Algeria has taken note of the new position adopted by the United Kingdom on the issue of Western Sahara,” the ministry declared. “Algeria regrets the UK’s decision to support the Moroccan autonomy plan. In eighteen years of existence, this plan has never been proposed to the Sahrawi people as a basis for negotiation, nor has it ever been taken seriously by successive UN Envoys. Each of them has pointed out the emptiness of the Moroccan initiative and its inability to offer a serious and credible solution to the conflict.”

The Algerian government recalled that the so-called autonomy plan was never designed to be a genuine political solution, but rather a deliberate maneuver by Rabat to delay a just resolution, obstruct UN efforts, and normalize the illegal occupation of Sahrawi territory.

“The aim of this plan has always been to monopolize the diplomatic space, buy time, and gradually accustom the international community to the fait accompli of Morocco’s illegal occupation,” the ministry emphasized.

While Algeria noted two distinctions in the UK’s statement — namely that London did not explicitly recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, nor did it endorse the occupation outright — it remained unequivocal in its disappointment.

“Algeria also notes that during the press conference, the UK Secretary of State solemnly reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to the principle of the right to self-determination,” the communiqué added.

Nonetheless, Algiers cautioned that symbolic words must not mask the political weight of such a shift.

“Given this dual nuance in the British position,” the statement concluded, “Algeria hopes that, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom will continue to hold Morocco accountable for its international responsibilities and ensure that international legality — especially the United Nations doctrine on decolonization — is respected.”

The declaration amounts to a clear diplomatic rebuke, and reflects Algeria’s broader frustration with what it sees as growing complicity from Western powers in perpetuating Morocco’s illegal claims over Western Sahara — a territory whose fate remains unresolved decades after Spain’s withdrawal and which is still listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory.

Algeria’s stance remains firm: only a free and fair process of self-determination, in accordance with UN resolutions, can deliver a legitimate and lasting resolution to the Sahrawi people’s struggle.

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