Colombia’s new president joins US in backing Morocco’s Western Sahara claim in major diplomatic win for King Mohammed VI

The decision marks a sharp shift from the government of former President Gustavo Petro, which restored Colombia’s recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and diplomatic relations with it.

Colombia announced its new position following talks in Cali involving Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Colombian Vice-President José Manuel Restrepo and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, on the sidelines of the inauguration of the country’s new president.

Bula Escobar said Colombia “recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” signalling Bogotá’s new approach to one of Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes.

Restrepo described the decision as “a new beginning” for relations between the two countries and called Morocco “Colombia’s first ally in Africa.”

“It is a pleasure to tell Colombia and Morocco that we are going to build a new beginning in the relations between both countries,” Restrepo said.

The Colombian vice-president said the two governments want to strengthen political and economic cooperation, with the possibility of eventually pursuing a free trade agreement aimed at expanding investment and commerce.

Escobar said Colombia would formally communicate its new position to Morocco.

“We are starting a very strong new relationship with Morocco and with its representation of Africa and the Arab world.”

Colombia has also committed to making an official visit to Morocco in November as both governments seek to turn the diplomatic reset into deeper economic relations

Bourita described Colombia’s decision to withdraw recognition of the SADR and recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara as “historic,” saying it could provide “great momentum” to bilateral ties.

“We consider Colombia an ally,” Bourita said, predicting a “bright future” in bilateral relations because “they share the same values and the same needs on many regional and international issues.”

The Moroccan foreign minister said the two countries could also become economic platforms for each other.

Morocco could give Colombian businesses greater access to African markets, while Colombia could provide Moroccan companies with a stronger gateway into Latin America.

The economic dimension adds significance to the diplomatic shift as Morocco continues to deepen commercial and political ties beyond its traditional partners.

Bourita travelled to Cali on the instructions of King Mohammed VI to represent the Moroccan monarch at the inauguration of Colombia’s newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella.

His presence at the ceremony underscored Rabat’s push to use the change of government in Bogotá to rebuild bilateral relations after years of disagreement over Western Sahara.

The new Colombian administration has indicated that the relationship will extend beyond the territorial issue and include stronger investment, trade and diplomatic cooperation.

Colombia’s reversal adds to growing international support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara, following US President Donald Trump’s reaffirmation of Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory and backing for Rabat’s autonomy proposal.

“The United States is unequivocal: we recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution,” Trump wrote.

The dispute nevertheless remains unresolved internationally.

The United Nations continues to classify Western Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, while the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic remains a member of the African Union.