فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Ouagadougou – Exclusive
In a step that strengthens bilateral cooperation between the two kingdoms, Burkina Faso, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, renewed its firm support for Morocco’s territorial unity and sovereignty over all its territories, including the Moroccan Sahara provinces. This announcement came in a joint statement signed by the Burkinabe Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, concluding the fifth session of the Moroccan-Burkinabe Joint Commission for Cooperation, held in the capital Ouagadougou.
This renewal comes in the context of widespread welcome for the historic Resolution 2797 issued by the United Nations Security Council on October 31, 2025, which is considered a qualitative shift in addressing the artificial dispute over the Sahara. According to the statement, Traoré expressed his “great satisfaction” with this resolution, which enshrines the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco as “the only serious, credible, and lasting basis” for a political solution that preserves Moroccan sovereignty.
Background of the Fifth Session of the Joint Commission
The fifth session of the Joint Commission was held in Ouagadougou, under the joint chairmanship of Traoré and Bourita, to strengthen cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, economy, and security. The sessions witnessed discussions on enhancing strategic partnership between the two countries, with a focus on regional challenges such as combating terrorism and extremism. This is the second meeting in 2025, following a previous meeting in Rabat in December, where Burkina Faso also expressed its support for the Moroccan plan.
In his statements, Traoré emphasized the “growing international consensus” led by King Mohammed VI in favor of autonomy, considering it “a realistic solution that serves regional stability.” He also praised Moroccan efforts in promoting African peace, pointing to the opening of Burkina Faso’s General Consulate in Dakhla in 2020 as evidence of its commitment to this position.
Morocco’s Response and Confirmation of Security Partnership
For his part, Nasser Bourita expressed “thanks and gratitude” to the Burkina Faso government for its “unconditional” support for Morocco in international organizations. He affirmed the Kingdom’s full solidarity with Ouagadougou in combating terrorism, confirming that “Burkina Faso will find in Morocco a safe and reliable partner” to support stability and development initiatives. This confirmation comes amid security challenges in the Sahel region, where Morocco is a key partner in training Burkinabe forces and exchanging intelligence information.
International Context: Resolution 2797 and Its Implications
Security Council Resolution 2797 is considered a decisive step in the path to resolving the Sahara dispute, which has extended for more than half a century. The Council adopted, by an overwhelming majority, an extension of the “MINURSO” mission’s mandate for one year, while emphasizing that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is “the most effective solution” to the conflict. Many African countries welcomed this resolution, including Gambia and Ghana, reflecting the growing “African consensus” around the Moroccan proposal.
However, the resolution sparked controversy, as some countries abstained from voting, considering it insufficient to achieve “the right to self-determination.” In his statements, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, confirmed that the resolution defines “a framework for negotiation” without determining the final outcome, calling on the parties to submit new proposals.
Timeline of Key Events Related to Resolution 2797
| Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| October 22, 2025 | United States circulates initial draft of resolution in Security Council. |
| September 30, 2025 | Secretary-General’s report calls for accelerating political solution and extending “MINURSO”. |
| October 31, 2025 | Adoption of Resolution 2797 by overwhelming majority, confirming autonomy as most effective solution. |
| December 2, 2025 | Burkina Faso confirms its support during terrorism victims conference in Rabat. |
| December 10, 2025 | Joint statement in Ouagadougou renews support and welcomes the resolution. |
Table of African Countries Supporting the Autonomy Plan (According to Reports Until December 2025)
| Country | Key Action | Key Date |
|---|---|---|
| Burkina Faso | Joint statement and welcome of Resolution 2797 | December 10, 2025 |
| Gambia | Renewal of support and praise for resolution | December 4, 2025 |
| Ghana | Declaration of support for Moroccan sovereignty | November 2025 |
| Kenya | Confirmation of respect for territorial unity | October 2025 |
| South Africa | Visit by former leader (Zuma) to support autonomy | November 2025 |
Regional and Diplomatic Challenges
Despite widespread support, Moroccan diplomacy faces challenges in some Sahelian countries such as Mali and Niger, where the military alliance maintains a cautious stance toward recognizing Moroccan sovereignty. However, Burkina Faso’s support, as a member of this alliance, is a positive signal that may open doors for broader rapprochement. The opening of consulates in Dakhla and Laayoune by dozens of countries also enhances the credibility of the Moroccan proposal internationally.
In conclusion, this statement highlights the strengthening of the Moroccan-Burkinabe partnership as a bridge for African stability, while emphasizing that the autonomy plan represents “the only path” to peace in the Sahara. “L’Éco Marocain” will follow developments in this sensitive file, especially with the approaching African Union sessions that may witness discussions about recognizing Polisario.
