New York (GNP): Mauritius has changed its position on the Western Sahara dispute, with its foreign minister saying that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most credible solution. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, made the statement in New York on Wednesday, September 23.
He spoke after talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, whose full portfolio covers foreign affairs, African cooperation and Moroccan expatriates. The two men met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where the meeting gave Ramful a platform to set out the shift in his country’s stance.
Ramful told the press that the Mauritian Cabinet had recently reviewed its position on the issue, which Morocco calls the Moroccan Sahara. The review followed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797, and it led the government to reconsider how it views the dispute.
According to Ramful, Mauritius now regards the resolution as being based on pragmatism. His government also concludes that autonomy for the territory under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco offers the most realistic, fairest and most sustainable way to settle the dispute.
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The announcement gives Rabat public backing from another country at a time when the wider question remains contested. The source material does not say what steps Mauritius will take next, and no timetable has been announced.
Ramful said autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is “the most credible solution.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
