The Strategic Reorientation of the Sahara Issue: A New Approach Aligned with Realpolitik

Abstract

Amid the profound transformations of the international arena, characterized by deepening economic interdependencies and shifting power paradigms, the Kingdom of Morocco has executed a far-reaching doctrine revision regarding the Sahara dispute. Breaking away from the selective bilateralism characteristic of the late King Hassan II's era, Rabat has orchestrated, under the impulse of King Mohammed VI, a proactive diplomatic paradigm anchored in realpolitik principles and multilateral engagement. This operational posture is underpinned by three synergetic pillars: the broadening of economic alliances intertwined with transforming the southern territories into an indispensable pan-African hub; the consolidation of a robust security diplomacy across regional and international theatres; and the institutional promotion of the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the preeminent, realistic, and enduring political architecture for resolving the dispute.

This strategic reorientation reached a decisive milestone in recent multilateral advancements, notably encapsulated in UN Security Council Resolution 2797 of October 31, 2025, which reaffirms the autonomy plan as a serious and credible baseline for dialogue while renewing MINURSO's mandate until October 2026 (United Nations Security Council, 2025). Such milestones demonstrate that by synchronizing economic outreach, counter-terrorism leadership, and assertive diplomatic negotiations, Morocco has effectively reshaped its continental stature, entrenching its sovereign legitimacy through collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships.