Rabat – Senegalese Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad Cheikh Niang reaffirmed Dakar’s support for Morocco’s position on the Sahara, saying Tuesday that “the Sahara is Moroccan” and calling for a realistic approach to resolve the regional dispute.
Niang made the remarks after meeting with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“The Sahara is Moroccan, and realism must guide everyone” toward a definitive settlement of the dispute, Niang told reporters following the meeting.
The Senegalese minister also pointed to the growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, which Rabat presented to the United Nations in 2007.
“We see greater and greater support for this autonomy plan,” Niang said, expressing hope that a realistic approach would prevail and pave the way for its implementation.
The remarks come as Morocco continues to promote its autonomy proposal as the basis for a political settlement of the Sahara dispute.
Senegal backs Morocco’s Africa initiatives
The meeting also addressed Morocco’s initiatives and cooperation efforts across Africa.
Niang said Senegal remains committed to working with Morocco to translate the Royal initiatives into concrete projects and greater visibility across the continent.
“Senegal remains determined to work alongside our Moroccan brothers to make these initiatives visible and real,” he said.
He added that discussions with Bourita had reinforced Senegal’s view of the initiatives’ broader regional value.
“The discussions we had reassure us about the extremely positive scope of these initiatives,” Niang said, describing them as beneficial “not only for Morocco, but also for the entire African region.”
The meeting reflects the close diplomatic ties between Morocco and Senegal, which have developed through political coordination and economic and development cooperation across West Africa.
