Guinea-Bissau has reiterated its firm support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara, endorsing Rabat’s autonomy plan as the only “credible and realistic” solution to the long-running territorial dispute.
The position was restated on Tuesday by Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister João Bernardo Vieira after talks in Rabat with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
Vieira reaffirmed what he described as his country’s “unwavering support” for Morocco’s territorial integrity, including the contested Western Sahara region, and praised Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the most viable framework for resolving the dispute.
He also welcomed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 adopted on October 31, 2025, which he said enshrines Morocco’s autonomy initiative as the basis for a lasting political settlement.
The Western Sahara conflict, which dates back to the mid-1970s after Spain withdrew from the territory, remains one of Africa’s longest-running territorial disputes. Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks an independent state.
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During the visit, both ministers reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, diplomacy and development projects.
Vieira said Guinea-Bissau valued its partnership with Morocco and emphasised shared interests in regional stability and economic cooperation.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, for his part, reaffirmed Morocco’s policy of non-interference in Guinea-Bissau’s internal affairs and expressed confidence in the country’s ongoing political transition.
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He also highlighted Morocco’s broader African cooperation agenda, including initiatives to deepen South-South partnerships in areas such as infrastructure, energy and trade.
Bourita noted Guinea-Bissau’s participation in regional initiatives promoted by King Mohammed VI, including development frameworks linking Atlantic African states and wider cooperation projects involving Sahel countries.
He also referenced planned energy and infrastructure initiatives, including proposed regional gas pipeline projects aimed at improving cross-border energy connectivity.
The two sides described their relationship as rooted in long-standing friendship and mutual support, particularly within African and international forums.
Vieira emphasised that Guinea-Bissau supports dialogue-based solutions to regional conflicts and stressed the importance of stability for Africa’s broader development agenda.
He added that Morocco’s autonomy proposal reflects a pragmatic approach to resolving disputes through negotiation rather than confrontation.
The reaffirmation of Guinea-Bissau’s position adds to a growing list of African and international partners expressing support for Morocco’s stance on the Western Sahara issue, which Rabat considers central to its national sovereignty.
Analysts say Morocco has in recent years intensified diplomatic efforts across Africa and beyond to build backing for its autonomy plan, framing it as a compromise solution under Moroccan sovereignty.
The renewed alignment between Rabat and Bissau is seen as part of Morocco’s broader strategy to strengthen South-South cooperation and consolidate political alliances across the continent.
Both governments said they expect continued expansion of bilateral cooperation in the coming years, particularly in trade, infrastructure and diplomatic engagement.
Observers note that such diplomatic positions are increasingly shaping regional alignments in North and West Africa, where geopolitical and economic partnerships are becoming more closely tied to development financing and strategic cooperation.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing commitment to deepen ties and promote stability, economic growth and regional integration across Africa.
