Algeria regretted UK’s decision as a departure from international norms and a setback to the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination
Algeria has expressed strong disapproval of the United Kingdom’s recent endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday, stating that it “regrets” the UK’s decision, viewing it as a departure from international norms and a setback to the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.
UK’s shift in stance
On June 1, 2025, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the UK’s support for Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal during a visit to Rabat. Lammy described the plan as “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis” for resolving the long-standing territorial dispute. This marks a notable shift in the UK’s policy, aligning it with other major powers like the United States and France, which have previously endorsed Morocco’s plan.
“In 18 years of existence, this plan has never been submitted to the Sahrawis as a basis for negotiation, nor has it ever been taken seriously by the successive UN envoys.”
-Algeria’s foreign ministry
The Moroccan autonomy proposal suggests granting Western Sahara limited self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty. This approach has been met with resistance from the Polisario Front, which advocates for full independence for the Sahrawi people and has long called for a UN-supervised referendum—a promise made in the 1991 ceasefire agreement but never fulfilled.
Algeria’s response
Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front and host to Sahrawi refugees, condemned the UK’s endorsement. The Algerian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Moroccan autonomy plan has never been presented to the Sahrawi people as a basis for negotiation and has not been seriously considered by successive UN envoys. Algeria views the UK’s move as an attempt to legitimize a “colonial fait accompli” and a violation of international law.
The statement further criticized the UK’s potential economic engagements in the disputed territory, particularly through UK Export Finance, arguing that such actions exceed the UK’s powers under international law.
The UK’s endorsement is part of a broader trend among Western nations supporting Morocco’s stance on Western Sahara. The United States recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the territory in 2020, and France followed suit in 2024. These developments have been met with consistent opposition from Algeria, which has taken diplomatic actions such as recalling its ambassador to France in response to these endorsements.
The international community remains divided on the issue. While some countries back Morocco’s autonomy plan, others, along with the United Nations, continue to advocate for a referendum to determine the territory’s final status. The UN maintains that Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory and emphasizes the need for a mutually acceptable political solution.
Economic and strategic implications
The UK’s support for Morocco’s plan is also seen as a strategic move to enhance economic ties and secure investment opportunities, particularly in light of Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. During Lammy’s visit, the UK and Morocco signed cooperation agreements in sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, and water management. British firms are expected to benefit from investments in the disputed territory as Morocco seeks to bolster its infrastructure ahead of the global event. The UK’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara has added a new dimension to the complex geopolitical landscape of North Africa. While it aligns the UK with other major powers supporting Morocco’s position, it has also drawn sharp criticism from Algeria and raises questions about the future of the Sahrawi people’s quest for self-determination. As the international community continues to grapple with the issue, the path to a lasting and mutually acceptable solution remains uncertain.
