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Rabat – After reconsidering its pro-Polisario stance on the Western Sahara conflict four years ago, Malawi has reiterated its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity by joining the growing list of countries that have established a consulate general in Morocco’s southern provinces.
Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita announced today, July 27, Malawi’s decision to open a consulate in Laayoune.
“This is the 24h representation and the 18th consulate of an African country open in our southern provinces,” the Moroccan FM said in a press conference with his Malawian counterpart Eisenhower Nduwa Mkaka.
Malawi and Morocco emphasized their determination to enhance relations at all levels.
Bourita noted that both nations have agreed to establish cooperation programs in the agricultural sector, and to organize the first session of the Moroccan-Malawian joint commission.
“Under the high directives of His Majesty and President Chakwera, Morocco and Malawi are determined to further develop bilateral relations and activate cooperation mechanisms in agriculture and vocational training,” said the Moroccan FM.
Malawi’s decision to open a consulate in Laayoune is the culmination of the country’s shift from sympathizing with Polisario’s self-determination claims to expressing support for Morocco’s territorial integrity.
In 2017, Malawi withdrew its recognition of Polisario’s self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Malawi also joined several African countries in supporting Morocco in the aftermath of the Guerguerat crisis in November 2020, when Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces intervened to lift a Polisario blockade and reinitiate traffic in the crossing point between Mauritania and Morocco.
Over 20 countries have opened consulates general in Dakhla and Laayoune, with observers noting that the openings constitute a testament of African and Arab countries’ increasing support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
