Less than a week after endorsing UN Resolution 2797, Burkina Faso has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. This occurred during Wednesday’s 5th Joint Cooperation Commission session in Ouagadougou. The initial endorsement happened at December 2’s Conference on African Victims of Terrorism in Marrakech.
During the diplomatic gathering, Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré validated his nation’s support. He reiterated “firm and constant support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Morocco over all its territory, including the Western Sahara region.”
The Burkinabe minister reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s commitment to Morocco’s autonomy plan. He also condemned the artificial dispute perpetuated by separatist militias.
Traoré restated his country’s position against the Polisario’s agenda. His government “saluted the growing international consensus driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the Autonomy Plan and Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara.”
The minister recalled the significance of Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31. He described it as enshrining the autonomy plan as “the only serious, credible and sustainable basis” for ending the dispute. This dispute, he stated, was instigated by secessionist elements.
Morocco’s Response and Solidarity
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita expressed the kingdom’s gratitude. He thanked Burkina Faso for the “unconditional support that Burkina Faso has always provided to its positions within regional and international organizations.”
Bourita specifically acknowledged Burkina Faso’s consulate opening in Dakhla on October 23, 2020. He stated it “reflects the continuity of this historic position” against breakaway contingents.
The Moroccan minister rededicated Morocco’s solidarity with Burkina Faso’s anti-terrorism efforts. He stated that “Burkina Faso will always find in the Kingdom of Morocco a reliable and trustworthy partner.” He further noted that Morocco would be “constantly committed to promoting and supporting its initiatives for stability and development.”
Promoting Cooperation and Development
Traoré welcomed the Moroccan monarch’s Atlantic Initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperation by making the African Atlantic space a geostrategic framework for intra-African cooperation.
The minister evoked the royal audience granted to the Sahel States Alliance (AES) foreign ministers. During the audience, they reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of the King’s initiative. This initiative facilitates Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Both countries renewed their determination to combat extremism. They also committed to strengthening bilateral ties. The ministers signed multiple cooperation instruments during the commission proceedings.
These instruments span security, commerce, labor, housing, transport, agriculture, training, and youth sectors. Traoré and Bourita reaffirmed their resolve to transform Morocco-Burkina Faso relations. They envision “an exceptional model of inter-African South-South cooperation.”
They also confirmed their commitment to diversifying partnerships. These partnerships include security-defense, transport, training, agriculture, food security, hydraulics, and health domains.
Continuing Cooperation Momentum
The diplomatic exchanges highlighted both countries’ dedication to consolidating cooperation. This momentum was established during June 2023’s 4th Commission session in Ouagadougou.
Traoré and Bourita celebrated the “sustained pace of mutually beneficial and fruitful cooperation.” They also outlined diversification prospects in promising sectors.
They hailed the mutual regard upheld by King Mohammed VI and Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso. The Burkinabe foreign minister specifically extolled the royal initiatives.
He lauded King Mohammed VI’s leadership in advancing peace, stability, and development across Africa. He commended Morocco’s continental role, particularly in the Sahel region. Traoré also acknowledged the King’s vision for deepening South-South cooperation and solidarity.
Implications for Western Sahara
This reaffirmation constitutes a repudiation of the Polisario militia’s claims. Furthermore, it substantiates Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara territories.
Burkina Faso’s reiterated stance delegitimizes radical factions’ narratives. This is achieved through institutional validation of Moroccan territorial sovereignty frameworks.
