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Portugal has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, becoming the latest nation to support Rabat’s stance on the disputed territory. The Portuguese government described the plan, which would grant the region limited self-rule under Moroccan sovereignty, as “serious, credible and constructive”.
The backing was announced on Tuesday following talks in Lisbon between Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. Rangel stressed that Portugal viewed the Moroccan initiative as the most viable foundation for resolving the long-standing conflict, provided any solution falls within the framework of the United Nations.
Western Sahara, a sparsely populated but resource-rich region in North Africa, has been the subject of dispute since Spain, its former colonial ruler, withdrew in 1975. Morocco swiftly moved in to control most of the territory, sparking opposition from the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which continues to call for an independent Sahrawi state.
Although the United Nations still classifies Western Sahara as a “non-self-governing territory”, efforts to hold a referendum on self-determination have been stalled for decades. Morocco has consistently rejected any vote that might include the option of full independence.
A UN peacekeeping mission, MINURSO, has operated in the region since 1991, but progress towards a political solution has been minimal. In October last year, the UN Security Council urged all parties to return to the negotiating table in good faith.
Portugal’s endorsement adds further weight to Morocco’s diplomatic campaign, which has recently secured support from several major powers including the United States, France, Spain, Germany, and most recently the United Kingdom.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita welcomed Lisbon’s position, saying it marked a deepening of bilateral ties. He highlighted Portugal’s alignment with Rabat’s vision as an important step towards regional cooperation and diplomatic consensus.
