Kenya backs Morocco Western Sahara autonomy proposal, calling it the most credible and sustainable solution to the long-standing conflict. The announcement followed bilateral talks on Monday between Kenya’s and Morocco’s foreign ministers in Rabat.
In a joint statement, Kenya described Morocco’s plan as realistic and viable. Nairobi added that it views the proposal as the only long-term approach to ending the dispute. Kenya joins a growing list of African, Arab, and Western nations backing Morocco’s position.
The Western Sahara conflict dates back to 1975. Morocco claims the territory as part of its own. In contrast, the Algeria-backed Polisario Front demands full independence for the desert region. So far, international diplomacy has failed to resolve the impasse.
Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s foreign minister, said the Moroccan plan offers a practical solution. He emphasized that Kenya supports the autonomy model because it promotes stability and integration. The statement marked a significant shift in Kenya’s regional diplomatic stance.
At the same time, Kenya opened an embassy in Rabat. This move comes after 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Morocco’s foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, welcomed Kenya’s support. He called the Western Sahara issue “the national cause” and praised Nairobi for strengthening bilateral momentum.
In return, Morocco agreed to accelerate exports of phosphates and fertilizers to Kenya. This will support Kenya’s farming sector, which relies heavily on soil nutrients. Additionally, both countries pledged to expand cooperation in renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, and cultural affairs.
Kenya also aims to increase exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco. According to Mudavadi, this effort will help reduce Kenya’s trade imbalance. He shared the update in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Moreover, Kenya backed a Moroccan initiative that gives landlocked Sahel countries access to global trade via Atlantic ports. This project seeks to improve regional logistics and strengthen Africa’s economic corridors.
By aligning itself with Morocco on Western Sahara, Kenya is deepening both political and economic ties. The decision reflects Nairobi’s broader strategy to build influence in North Africa while unlocking new trade routes and markets.
