Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Kingdom of Eswatini has once again demonstrated its strong and unwavering support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, reaffirming a partnership grounded in solidarity, mutual respect, and a shared vision for Africa’s progress.
During her official visit to Morocco, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, reaffirmed the country’s backing of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, describing it as “the only credible, serious, and realistic solution” to the regional dispute over Western Sahara. Co-chairing the inaugural session of the Morocco–Eswatini Joint Cooperation Commission with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Minister Shakantu hailed the Autonomy Plan as a framework that not only secures peace and sovereignty but also promotes prosperity and development across Africa. “Our visit here is a testament to Eswatini’s solidarity with Morocco and our shared aspiration for a united, progressive continent,” she said.
Building Bridges Through Development
The Foreign Minister’s itinerary included a visit to Eswatini’s Consulate General in Laayoune, opened in 2020 — one of the first African diplomatic missions in Morocco’s southern provinces. She praised the visible transformation in the region, applauding King Mohammed VI’s leadership in driving sustainable development, infrastructure growth, and inclusive governance.
Her tour continued to the Dakhla Atlantic Port, a transformative project that she described as “a bridge linking Africa to the world.” She highlighted the port’s potential to revolutionize intra-African trade, strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and foster opportunities for Eswatini’s business sector to engage in new markets.
Africa’s New Diplomatic Momentum
The Eswatini delegation’s visit coincided with renewed global attention on the Moroccan Sahara issue, following the United Nations Security Council’s endorsement of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the most feasible solution to the decades-long conflict. The resolution, backed by a majority of council members, reflects growing international alignment with Morocco’s peace-driven proposal — a stance shared by Eswatini and an increasing number of African and European nations.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, lauded Eswatini’s principled and consistent position, emphasizing that the two kingdoms are bound by “the wisdom and people-oriented leadership” of their respective monarchs. “Together, we are shaping a new model of South-South cooperation built on trust, shared values, and mutual benefit,” Bourita affirmed.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
The visit concluded with the signing of eight cooperation agreements, covering sectors such as education, technology, youth empowerment, agriculture, tourism, and justice. These accords form part of the 2026–2028 roadmap, setting the stage for a multidimensional strategic partnership that aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 for sustainable development.
As Eswatini strengthens ties with Morocco, it reinforces its commitment to a vision of Africa that is united, self-reliant, and globally competitive. Minister Shakantu’s remarks captured this spirit of optimism: “Our friendship with Morocco is built on shared values of peace, respect, and progress. Together, we are building a future where African nations rise through partnership and purpose.”
In Summary: Eswatini’s firm support for Morocco’s territorial integrity is more than diplomatic solidarity, it is a declaration of faith in African solutions for African challenges. With trade, infrastructure, and shared governance taking center stage, the Rabat–Mbabane partnership continues to set an inspiring example of cooperation, resilience, and unity across the continent.
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