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Rabat – The Republic of Paraguay has taken a strong diplomatic step to affirm its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara by announcing the opening of a Consulate General in Morocco’s southern provinces, specifically in Dakhla.
Paraguayan Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano made the announcement during a meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
During their talks, the Paraguayan minister reiterated his country’s full support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara and its 2007 autonomy initiative, describing it as a “serious, credible, and realistic” solution to the long-standing regional dispute.
Paraguay also confirmed that its new consulate would be located in the southern region of Morocco as a clear symbol of backing the country’s territorial integrity.
Paraguay’s decision follows its 2014 withdrawal of recognition for the self-styled “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR). Over the years, the two countries have exchanged statements and political consultations to reinforce this partnership.
The opening of a consulate in Morocco’s southern provinces marks a more visible, concrete manifestation of Paraguay’s diplomatic support.
In recent months, Morocco has gained increasing diplomatic momentum for its autonomy initiative. Several countries, including Belgium, the UK, France, the US, and Poland, have publicly endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most viable framework for resolving the Sahara issue.
In addition, dozens of African countries have opened consulates in Morocco’s southern provinces to assert their unwavering support for the country’s territorial integrity.
That growing support contrasts sharply with the stance of the Polisario Front and its main backer, Algeria. The US, acting as penholder on the Western Sahara file at the United Nations, circulated a draft resolution that centers negotiations on the 2007 autonomy plan and sidelines the option of full independence.
These developments are evidence of increasing diplomatic isolation for Algeria and the Polisario. In fact, analysts argue that Algeria is losing influence and being cornered diplomatically as the international community converges behind Morocco’s proposal.
All eyes now turn to the United Nations Security Council, which is scheduled to vote on renewing the mandate for MINURSO, the UN Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara. That vote is expected on October 30, as the mandate expires the following day.
