Sahara: Burkina Faso renews backing to Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, hails royal efforts for Africa’s peace

The Government of Burkina Faso has reaffirmed steadfast support for Morocco’s autonomy plan offered for the Sahara under its sovereignty and praised the tireless efforts made by King Mohammed VI for the development and peace in Africa.

The supportive stand comes in a joint statement issued Friday in the Moroccan Saharan city of Dakhla following the fourth meeting of the Moroccan-Burkinabe Committee, held under co-chairmanship of Moroccan Foreign minister Nasser Bourita and Burkinabe peer Mrs. Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba.

In the joint statement, the Burkina Faso top diplomat said the Moroccan autonomy is “the only credible and realistic solution” to the Sahara regional conflict.

She also voiced her country’s strong support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the UN-exclusive role and process engaged for finding a realistic, practical, and lasting solution to the Sahara dispute.

In 2020, Burkina Faso opened a consulate in Dakhla, pearl of Moroccan Sahara, a move confirming the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Saharan provinces.

In the joint statement, Ouagadogou commended the tireless efforts made by Morocco, under the far-sighted leadership of King Mohammed VI, for the development and peace in Africa.

Morocco and Burkina Faso voiced their readiness to support peace and stability across the African continent in general and in the Sahel region in particular.

The two countries’ foreign ministers praised the convergence of their views on the various issues of common interest and reaffirmed the commitment of Rabat and Ouagadougou to work together for lasting peace and economic development on the African continent with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Bourita expressed Morocco’s full solidarity with Burkina Faso in its tireless efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism, saying that Burkina Faso will always find in Morocco a partner constantly committed to promoting and supporting its initiatives for stability and development.

For her part, Mrs. Rouamba thanked Morocco for its solidarity and unwavering support enabling her country to face up security and humanitarian challenges.

The two ministers agreed on strengthening coordination, consultations, and mutual support in continental and international meetings over issues of common interests.

The 4th meeting of the Moroccan-Burkinabe Committee was crowned with the signing of several agreements destined to bolster cooperation between the two countries in customs, technology, automotive testing, justice, water, tourism, sports, education, training…