South America: Morocco Moves Its Pieces Against the Last Supporters of the “SADR”
Moroccan diplomacy is deploying a firm strategy to regain influence in several South American countries that continue, albeit fewer and fewer, to recognize the so-called “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR). This approach takes place in a regional context marked by a gradual retreat of official support for this “separatist movement,” notably with the recent suspension of diplomatic relations between the SADR and several key countries in the region.
Indeed, countries like Argentina, Chile, and Brazil have officially reduced or suspended their relations with the SADR in recent years, responding to Moroccan diplomatic appeals and a strategic realignment driven by economic and political interests. In response to this dynamic, Rabat now focuses its efforts on the last states that persist in recognizing the SADR, including Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Mexico.
On May 23, 2025, Rabat welcomed Marta Lucía Ramírez, former Colombian Vice President and former Foreign Minister, now a member of the conservative opposition. Her visit is part of Morocco’s desire to strengthen dialogue with Bogotá, as the country remains one of the few in South America to officially recognize the SADR, despite strong opposition within the Senate and repeated criticism of this position.
Under President Gustavo Petro, Colombia reinstated recognition of the SADR in 2022, triggering intense internal political disagreement. A Senate majority expressed its “deep rejection” of this decision, labeling it support for an illegitimate “separatist movement.” With presidential elections scheduled for 2026, the Sahrawi issue remains a sensitive topic in Colombian diplomacy, where a campaign to return to a more Morocco-friendly policy seems to be emerging.
Meanwhile, Morocco continues its dialogue with Cuba and Venezuela, where the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) maintains strong relations with the ruling parties, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and the Communist Party of Cuba. Nabil Benabdellah’s recent visit to these capitals aims to consolidate these ties despite ideological differences and international pressures.
In Mexico, Moroccan diplomacy has also stepped up its efforts, with notable interventions such as the speech by Moroccan House of Representatives President Rachid Talbi Alami to the Mexican Parliament, and the visit of Driss Lachgar, first secretary of the USFP, aimed at influencing Mexico’s official position on the SADR.
This offensive relies on a pragmatic approach: strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, while conducting patient diplomatic work with local political forces to encourage a gradual realignment of positions on the Moroccan Sahara.
In summary, in a South American context where several countries have already distanced themselves from the SADR, Morocco seeks to further isolate this entity and regain the support of the last states still favorable to this cause, thus demonstrating a determined diplomacy adapted to current geopolitical challenges.