Burundi’s Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on October 11, 2023, reaffirming Burundi’s support for Morocco’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and its Autonomy Plan as the basis for resolving the Sahara dispute. Shingiro also praised the United Nations’ role in facilitating a lasting solution.
On October 11, 2023, a significant diplomatic meeting took place in Rabat, where Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, engaged in discussions with Albert Shingiro, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi. During this meeting, Minister Shingiro reaffirmed Burundi’s unwavering commitment to Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including its stance regarding the contested Sahara region. Furthermore, he expressed Burundi’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, identifying it as a viable and realistic framework for resolving the ongoing regional dispute. Minister Shingiro acknowledged the United Nations as the sole legitimate platform for facilitating a practical and sustainable resolution to the Sahara conflict, emphasizing the importance of ongoing international diplomatic efforts in this regard.
The territorial dispute over the Sahara region has long been a contentious issue between Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which claims sovereignty over this area. The conflict’s complexities necessitate ongoing discussions and diplomatic engagement among various countries, particularly within the African continent and the international community. The support expressed by Burundi for Morocco’s position reflects a broader regional commitment, as nations align themselves with either Morocco or the SADR. The Autonomy Plan proposed by Morocco has been a focal point in attempts to negotiate a lasting resolution.
In conclusion, Burundi’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s territorial claims and the proposed Autonomy Plan signifies a continued diplomatic alignment between the two nations. The commitment to utilizing the United Nations framework for conflict resolution further underscores the importance of multilateral dialogue and cooperation in addressing the Saharan dispute.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
