Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara resounds in London

A group of UK former officials, MPS and security pundits urged their country to back Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as conducive to regional security and serving UK’s interests.

Among the speakers at a conference held as part of an event showcasing Morocco’s investment opportunities, Liam Fox reiterated his call on the UK government to support Morocco’s autonomy plan, following the example of allies such as the US, Israel, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

“Not pushing forward with Morocco’s initiative does not make sense,” said Fox, conservative MP and former trade minister.

He said the UK should back “its ally in the region” Morocco, which, he said, offers enormous cooperation potential.

Sir Simon Mayall, a retired British Army officer and a Middle East Adviser at the Ministry of Defense, highlighted the need for backing stable countries like Morocco facing enormous geopolitical challenges in a troubled region.

The UK “should support reliable partners like Morocco,” he said, noting that supporting the autonomy plan would end the ordeal of the population held against their will in the Polisario-run Tindouf camps in Algeria.

In a ground breaking Op-ed on the UK’s most prestigious security think tank RUSI, Mayall had described the autonomy initiative as “anchored in a commitment to a promising political and economic future for the population, with respect for the rule of law, democratic procedures and sustained development, and will be implemented on the basis of an open consultation in accordance with the UN Charter and the principle of self-determination.”

Echoing him Daniel Kawczinsky, conservative MP, highlighted Morocco’s Atlantic initiatives while stressing the headway made in Morocco in terms of human rights protection as well as Morocco’s tolerant religious model.
Besides calling for UK’s support for Morocco, the participants underlined the huge untapped business opportunities offered in the Sahara provinces.