Rabat – Mali has officially recognized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only solution and genuine pathway to end the dispute over Western Sahara.
Mali announced this decision today during the visit of Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, to Bamako.
Mali said it considers the genuine autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the most realistic solution for the regional dispute.
“The Republic of Mali supports the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as the only serious and credible basis for resolving this dispute and considers that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most realistic reason,” Mali’s government said in a statement.
It also announced that it is withdrawing its recognition of Polisario’s self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as SADR, citing an “in-depth analysis” of the important dossier and its impact on sub-regional peace and security.
Mali’s government concluded its statement by recalling its support for the UN-led political process led by UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura.
It also backs the UN Security Council Resolution 2797 of October 2025, which declared the autonomy initiative as a genuine political framework to end the dispute, and urged all concerned parties to engage in the process within the autonomy framework of the Moroccan initiative.
The news is set to open a new chapter of cooperation and partnership between the two countries, with Bamako determined to maintain strong, historic, and deeply rooted ties with Rabat.
“This active solidarity has been demonstrated on multiple occasions on both sides, both within the framework of bilateral relations and in multilateral processes, within shared international forums,” the statement adds.
Mali also expressed gratitude to Morocco and King Mohammed VI’s vision for the consistent fraternal attention Mali receives from Rabat, as well as its continuous support and initiatives in favor of stability, development, as well as territorial integrity, and national unity in Mali.
The news is set to deal a new blow to the separatist Polisario Front and its staunch supporter, Algeria, which consistently issues press releases to “regret” and complain about the growing momentum Morocco has been gaining in the Sahara dossier.
Mali’s decision comes amid fragile ties between Algiers and Bamako.
While Algiers considers itself an alleged key mediator in Sahel conflicts, Mali has long called out the Algerian regime for interference in the country’s domestic affairs.
In September last year, Mali said it was turning to the International Court of Justice to challenge Algeria, accusing the country of shooting down a Malian army drone inside Malian territory.
Last year, Mali and its allies in Niger and Burkina Faso also said they are recalling their ambassadors from Algeria over this situation, with Mali repeatedly accusing Tebboune’s government of interference in Bamako’s domestic affairs.
