Lead

The European Union has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara and is pushing for a new strategic partnership with Rabat to be finalised by the end of the year. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, on a two-day visit to Rabat, described Morocco as a "close, reliable, and strategic partner" after meeting Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Thursday, as reported by RFI — English.

In a separate development, the United States reiterated its support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara during a visit by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Rabat, where he urged a "swift" resolution to a conflict that has been ongoing since 1975, according to Africa News.

Coverage Comparison

Both reports highlight a convergence of international support for Morocco's autonomy initiative. RFI — English focused on the EU's alignment with the Moroccan plan, noting that the bloc had backed the proposal in late January, while also reporting on Kallas' description of the plan as "a realistic and workable" solution. The article also mentioned that the EU's position followed a similar move by the UN Security Council last October, as reported by Africa Intelligence.

Africa News, on the other hand, centred its coverage on the US reaffirmation of support, quoting Landau's remarks at a joint press conference with Bourita. The report emphasised the long duration of the conflict, with Landau noting that it has "gone on for an unacceptable time since 1975."

Key Claims

EU support for autonomy plan: RFI — English reported that the EU has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which proposes to give the region limited self-rule while Rabat retains control over defence, foreign affairs, and religion. Kallas repeated the EU's backing during her visit.

New EU-Morocco partnership: According to RFI — English, Kallas called for the "timely finalisation" of a broad partnership between the EU and Morocco, covering trade, investment, and migration, expressing confidence that it would be launched this year.

US support for Moroccan sovereignty: Africa News reported that US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reiterated Washington's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara during his meeting with Bourita. The report noted that the US recognised Morocco's claim over the territory in 2020, in return for Morocco's rapprochement with Israel.

Details of the autonomy proposal: Africa News described Morocco's autonomy proposal as giving Western Sahara control over social and economic policy, budget, and taxation, while Rabat would retain control over foreign relations, the judiciary, and currency. The report also stated that the United Nations has backed the initiative.

Polisario Front's resumption of fighting: Africa News reported that the pro-independence Polisario Front, backed by Algeria and representing the indigenous Sahrawi population, resumed its fight for self-determination in 2020 after a proposed referendum failed to take place.

Bourita's response: In comments reported by Africa News, Bourita told reporters that "the United States supports an approach that we hope will lead to a definitive solution within the sole framework of the initiative for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty." RFI — English quoted Bourita welcoming the EU's position as "a particularly significant position and a strong signal" ahead of a UN Security Council meeting.

Perspectives

The material presents the viewpoints of the Moroccan government, the EU, and the US, with no direct contrasting perspective from the Polisario Front or Algeria.

Moroccan government: Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita described the EU's backing as "a particularly significant position and a strong signal" and said Morocco's autonomy proposal is "the only serious and credible basis" for a lasting settlement, as reported by RFI — English. He also expressed hope for a definitive solution within the framework of the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty.

European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Morocco as a "close, reliable, and strategic partner" and said the autonomy plan offers "a realistic and workable" way to resolve the conflict, while also calling for the timely finalisation of a new partnership, according to RFI — English.

United States: US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reiterated Washington's support for Morocco's sovereignty and urged a peaceful resolution through the framework of the most recent Security Council resolution, as reported by Africa News.