The Federal Government of Somalia has clarified its official position on the dispute over the Western Sahara, after some media outlets reported that Somalia had recognized the territory as part of the Moroccan mainland.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Somalia is officially considering United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which plays an important role in supporting the UN-led peace process in the Western Sahara.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia clarified that Somalia’s position can be found in the official statements and documents it issues.
Somalia urged the two parties to the conflict in Western Sahara to engage in direct and genuine dialogue, in order to reach a final peaceful solution that reflects the will of the people of the region, and is in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.
Somalia also expressed its full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Special Envoy to resume the political process.
Somalia stated its commitment to strengthening its cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco, while maintaining mutual respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries.
In late November, Moroccan media reported that Somalia had reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s independence of its southern regions of Western Sahara.
The media reported that Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali had made the statement during a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in Rabat, reiterating Somalia’s continued support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Western Sahara is a region in northwest Africa that has historically been a disputed territory. It borders Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania. The territory is disputed between Morocco, which claims Western Sahara as part of its territory and controls most of the territory and major cities, and the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi Republic (SADR), a movement of the Sahrawi people who are calling for independence and self-government.
