Dominican Republic Strengthens Ties with Morocco, Further Isolating Polisario Front
The Dominican Republic has dealt a significant blow to the Polisario Front, reaffirming its recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region and announcing plans to open a consulate in the city of Dakhla. This move comes amidst a wave of morocco-finland-western-sahara-autonomy-plan/” title=”Finland Backs Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara”>international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan and adds to the growing isolation of the Polisario Front on the global stage.
The announcement, made on Saturday, drew immediate condemnation from the Polisario Front. Mohammed Zarouak, the Polisario representative in the Caribbean, issued a statement denouncing the Dominican Republic’s stance and reiterating the Polisario’s claim to self-determination for the Sahrawi people.
This development marks a significant win for Morocco’s diplomatic efforts in the region. The Dominican Republic joins its Caribbean neighbors, Haiti and Suriname, in recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Haiti opened a consulate in Dakhla in December 2020, while Suriname established a diplomatic mission in the region after formally recognizing Morocco’s claim.
The Dominican Republic’s decision reflects a broader trend of growing support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only viable solution to the Western Sahara issue. This shift in the international landscape is driven by a recognition of Morocco’s commitment to development in the region and its efforts to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the dispute.
The Dominican Republic’s President, Luis Abinader, conveyed his country’s unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara to Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during a meeting at the National Palace. President Abinader emphasized the Dominican Republic’s view that Morocco’s autonomy plan represents the sole path to resolving the conflict.
This diplomatic victory for Morocco underscores the Polisario Front’s increasing isolation and the growing international consensus surrounding Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara.
