South Korea Supports Moroccan Sovereignty Over the Sahara: A Diplomatic Shift That Reshapes Alliances
In a noteworthy stance, South Korea officially announced its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative proposed in 2007, describing it as “serious and credible,” and considering it a realistic basis for resolving the Sahara conflict within the framework of United Nations efforts.
This position reflects a shift in Seoul from traditional neutrality to a clear alignment in favor of Moroccan sovereignty, amid overlapping geopolitical and economic interests between the two countries.
The Korean statement not only reaffirmed support for UN dialogue but directly linked the solution to the Moroccan proposal, implicitly rejecting any separatist options. South Korea also expressed its desire to deepen bilateral cooperation, highlighting the strategic dimension behind this shift.
Seoul views Morocco as a key platform for entering Africa, thanks to its location and major projects in the southern regions, particularly the Atlantic port of Dakhla. Major companies like Samsung and Hyundai are investing in Morocco, banking on its political stability. Supporting territorial integrity has become part of securing these interests.
South Korea is also seeking to distinguish itself from its northern neighbor, which has historically been a staunch supporter of the Polisario. Supporting autonomy is part of a foreign policy aimed at enhancing Korea’s presence in Africa at the expense of Chinese and Russian influence.
The Korean move aligns with a global trend that supports the Moroccan proposal, which has so far been endorsed by over 110 countries. The exclusion of the Polisario from the recent Korea-Africa summit was not a minor detail but a deliberate step reflecting a profound change in Seoul’s priorities.
Algeria, the main supporter of the Polisario, has not officially commented but diplomatic sources report dissatisfaction that may affect its relations with some Asian capitals.
This development reflects a clear reality: the Sahara issue is no longer merely a regional conflict but has become a measure of credibility for partners and the clarity of their positions.
