Stanley Kasongo Kakubo , Zambia Foreign Minister: Autonomy Plan is ‘Only Realistic Solution’ for Western Sahara

By on May 30, 2023

Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kasongo Kakubo has hailed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the “only realistic solution” to end the dispute over Western Sahara.

The comment reflects the African country’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.

The top Zambian diplomat made his remarks following a meeting in Rabat with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.

Reaffirming his country’s “unwavering support” for Morocco’s position, the Zambian minister also renewed support for the UN-led political process and its exclusive framework to help achieve a realistic and lasting solution to the Sahara dispute.

Morocco and Zambia also discussed cooperation, welcoming the positive development in bilateral ties between the two countries.

The statement also recalled the opening of a Zambian embassy in Rabat as well as a consulate general in Laayoune in October 2020.

The opening reflects the growing support for Morocco’s position among African countries.

Morocco has been celebrating the opening of consulates in its southern provinces, describing them as diplomatic gains.

Twenty-three African countries have to date opened consulates in the southern provinces.

Meanwhile, about 90 countries, including many in Europe, have openly expressed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan.

“Of these 90 countries, 30 are African countries which adopt the same positive attitude,” Bourita said last year in October.

In addition to pledging to deepen bilateral ties between Lusaka and Rabat, the Moroccan-Zambian joint statement also commended Morocco’s efforts for the development of the African continent.

The joint statement concluded with both countries reaffirming their determination to contribute to the resolution of conflicts in Africa, stressing King Mohammed VI’s continental leadership.

Bourita expressed gratitude for Zambia’s “unconditional support” ” for its positions within regional and international organizations, noting the country’s “important role” and its “exceptional contribution” to the development of the African continent.

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