Response to the UK-Morocco Joint Communiqué: Strategic Dialogue 2025

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Dear Supporter,

 

On June 1st the FCDO issued an alarming press release following the 5th round of talks in the Morocco-UK strategic dialogue. On the Moroccan autonomy plan – a Moroccan proposal which would make Western Sahara part of Morocco – it stated: 

 

• [...] As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom agrees with Morocco on the urgent need to find a resolution to this long-held dispute

• [...] Both countries support, and consider vital, the central role of the UN-led process to bring the parties together and move the issue forward to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution and reaffirm their full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy 

• The UK is ready, willing and committed to lend its active support and engagement to the Personal Envoy and the parties to reach such a solution to this dispute. 

• [...] In that context the UK, in encouraging the relevant parties to engage, urgently and positively, with the UN-led political process, considers Morocco’s autonomy proposal, submitted in 2007 as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute.

• The UK and the Kingdom of Morocco expressed their shared conviction that renewed efforts were urgently needed to support the PESG in the search for a solution, underlying that the only viable and durable solution will be one that is mutually acceptable to the relevant parties, and is arrived at through compromise.

 

This represents a significant departure from the UK’s previous position on the question of Western Sahara. Where previously the UK stood as the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to clearly uphold the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination, the increasing sympathy for the Moroccan Autonomy plan may undermine the UN’s efforts to pursue plans for a free and fair referendum for independence without the necessary accountability.

 

What does this mean for Western Sahara?

 

This statement risks sending a message to Morocco that the UK supports its illegal occupation. Without urgent action, the UK government will become complicit in a sustained denial of human rights, rejection of international law, and prolonged exposure for the Saharawi people to inhospitable conditions. 

 

 However, although we’re concerned with this statement, it makes it clear that:

 

        1. The UK does not recognise Moroccan sovereignty claims over Western Sahara. This has been reaffirmed by               the FCDO. 

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        2.  The UK government has reaffirmed that any resolution to the conflict must uphold the rights of the                           Saharawi people to self-determination.

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        3.  Whilst the UK government flags the Autonomy Plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a                 lasting resolution to the conflict—it has maintained that any potential solution must be agreed by both                       parties, and that the final decision lies with the people of Western Sahara.

 

What can we do now?

 

Now, more than ever, your voices are urgently needed to make sure our government does not sacrifice the rights of the Saharawi people for a few commercial deals with Morocco.

 

Whilst we’ll be meeting with MPs, unions, and other organisations, we need you to demonstrate visible support for the Saharawi people, and ensure that the UK is held accountable to uphold the principle of self-determination. At this moment of change, we are calling on your support.

 

1. As members of the British Public, you can sign this petition to join the call on the British government to demand justice for the Saharawi and Western Sahara. We ask that you do this, and share the petition across your own networks and social media platforms. These efforts are vital to signal support for the Saharawi that exists in civil society, and will work to hold the government accountable over this shift.

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    2. Writing to your MP can crucially signal that they have constituents who stand in solidarity with the Saharawi            people. Showing support within Parliament is important in counteracting Moroccan lobbying efforts.  Please see              guidance here for writing to your MP.

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Write to your MP! 

 

Please write to your MP. They have a duty to represent you,  so ask them to raise your concerns with Hamish Falconer, the Under-Secretary of State at FCDO. Normally, an MP will pass your letter to the relevant minister and let you know what reply they get.

 

Now, more than ever, is the time for action. 

 

Sign the Petition. Write to your MP. We at WSC UK cannot stress how much your efforts matter as we continue to work in solidarity with the Saharawi people to generate the support necessary to advance their right to self-determination and their human rights.

Please reach out to chair@wsahara.org.uk with any questions, or support in this matter.

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