At a meeting in Rabat, the Foreign Minister of Burundi, Albert Shingiro, reaffirmed his nation’s unconditional support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, particularly regarding the Sahara region, advocating for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a realistic solution.
On October 11, 2023, Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, engaged in discussions with Albert Shingiro, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi, in Rabat. During this meeting, Minister Shingiro reaffirmed Burundi’s unwavering stance supporting Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly regarding the contested Sahara region. He emphasized Burundi’s backing of the Autonomy Plan proposed by Morocco, identifying it as the sole credible and pragmatic solution to the ongoing regional conflict. Furthermore, Minister Shingiro acknowledged the United Nations’ pivotal role as the appropriate platform for facilitating a realistic, practical, and enduring resolution to the Sahara dispute.
The issue of the Sahara region is a longstanding territorial dispute involving Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). It has been a point of contention since 1975, causing continued diplomatic tensions in the region. Morocco claims sovereignty over the Sahara, while the SADR seeks independence. The Autonomy Plan presented by Morocco is viewed as a potential solution to this dispute, advocating for regional self-governance without full independence. Various nations have weighed in on this issue, with several supporting Morocco’s position, including Burundi.
In summary, Burundi has reiterated its strong support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region during the meeting between its foreign minister and Morocco’s foreign minister. The endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a viable resolution to the dispute reflects Burundi’s consistent diplomatic position. Moreover, the acknowledgment of the United Nations’ role underscores the importance of international mediation in achieving a lasting settlement to the Sahara conflict.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
