Agadir – Colombia has announced today freezing diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and reaffirming the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
The decision was announced by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a review of the recognition of the SADR granted by the previous government and comes as Bogotá seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with Rabat.
In an official statement, the Colombian Foreign Ministry said the decision followed a “sovereign review” of the previous government’s recognition of the SADR, noting that the United Nations does not recognize the entity as a UN member state.
“Colombia recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over all its territory, including Western Sahara,” the ministry said, adding that the Colombian government would “freeze relations with the SADR from this date forward.”
The decision means Colombia will no longer maintain political or diplomatic contacts with the SADR, exchange missions with it, or support it in multilateral forums.
“This implies that there will be no political or diplomatic contacts, exchange of missions, or support for the SADR in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Security Council, where Colombia currently serves as a non-permanent member,” the statement added.
The Colombian Foreign Ministry said the move is consistent with international law and the UN Charter, as well as Security Council Resolution 2797. The resolution, adopted on October 31, 2025, renewed the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2026 and called for a political solution based on compromise.
New chapter in Morocco-Colombia relations
Bogotá described the decision as part of a broader effort to deepen its relationship with Morocco, describing Rabat as an important strategic partner.
“The reorientation confirms Colombia’s commitment to revitalizing its relations with Morocco, an ally for nearly fifty years,” the ministry said, adding that the two countries should pursue a renewed relationship aimed at serving “the interests of the Colombian people.”
The statement identified several areas with potential for expanded bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism, food security, ports and logistics, as well as Atlantic connectivity.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Colombian officials, during which Colombia publicly confirmed its new position on the Western Sahara regional dispute.
Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar said Colombia “recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” while Vice President José Manuel Restrepo described the decision as “a new beginning” in relations between the two countries.
Bourita described Colombia’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the SADR and recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara as “historic,” saying it could provide “a major boost” to bilateral relations.
The Moroccan foreign minister also pointed to the potential for Morocco and Colombia to serve as economic platforms for one another, leveraging their respective positions in Africa and Latin America.
