In a landmark decision, the United Nations has urged renewed negotiations on Western Sahara based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan — a move widely viewed as a breakthrough toward lasting peace, stability, and regional cooperation in North Africa.

The United Nations has marked a pivotal moment in African diplomacy by endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most realistic and forward-looking solution to the long-standing territorial dispute.

In a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council, the global body emphasized that Morocco’s proposal offers a balanced framework that upholds sovereignty while ensuring self-governance, unity, and development.

The decision reflects growing international recognition of Morocco’s leadership in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation across the Maghreb.

The U.S.-drafted resolution, supported by 11 of the 15 Security Council members, called on all parties to engage in serious, results-oriented negotiations.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz highlighted that genuine dialogue could lead to regional peace within the year, reaffirming the international community’s confidence in Morocco’s diplomatic approach.

This milestone underscores a collective shift toward pragmatic, inclusive, and sustainable conflict resolution that prioritizes stability and human development.

Morocco’s autonomy plan, first introduced in 2007, proposes the creation of an elected legislative, executive, and judicial authority within Western Sahara, giving residents meaningful participation in local governance.

Under this framework, Morocco retains control over defense, foreign affairs, and religious matters — ensuring unity and national integrity while empowering local communities to manage their economic and cultural affairs.

The plan has been widely praised as a model for modern self-determination and regional collaboration.

Following the UN’s announcement, King Mohammed VI hailed the resolution as a “new chapter” in strengthening the “Moroccanness of the Sahara” and advancing peace throughout the region.

The King reiterated his call for “brotherly dialogue” with Algeria, reaffirming Morocco’s unwavering commitment to good-neighborly relations and the Maghreb Union.

His message emphasized partnership over rivalry and prosperity over division, setting a tone of reconciliation and shared progress.

Celebrations erupted across Moroccan cities as thousands waved national flags and chanted patriotic songs to honor the diplomatic victory.

The public’s response reflected not only national pride but also renewed optimism for a peaceful future in which Morocco’s vision of unity and development becomes a regional reality.

This moment also demonstrated the deep bond between Morocco’s people and leadership in shaping a stable and prosperous future.

The Security Council’s decision also renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year, ensuring continued stability while negotiations move forward.

It also called for a strategic review of the mission’s role, aligning it with the political progress expected under Morocco’s inclusive proposal. This highlights the UN’s trust in Morocco’s ability to facilitate peace and cooperation through dialogue and reform.

International support for Morocco’s autonomy plan has steadily grown. The United States, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom have all endorsed Rabat’s initiative, calling it the only viable solution that balances sovereignty with self-determination.

This growing consensus marks a decisive shift in global policy toward a practical and peaceful resolution, strengthening Morocco’s role as a key diplomatic and economic bridge between Africa, Europe, and the Arab world.

King Mohammed VI also urged Sahrawi refugees living in the Polisario-run camps in Algeria to embrace autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, calling it a path toward dignity, progress, and national unity.

His appeal highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Morocco’s initiative — one that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens and envisions a future built on coexistence, opportunity, and hope.

The UN’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan represents far more than a political decision — it is a declaration of confidence in a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and cooperation.

As the world watches this new chapter unfold, Morocco’s leadership in diplomacy, governance, and sustainable development stands as a model for resolving complex regional challenges through dialogue, partnership, and vision.

Protests against Israel’s war in Gaza have repeatedly drawn thousands of people in Morocco since the conflict began two months ago, mostly led by pan-Arab and Islamist groups.

Sunday’s march by about 3,000 protesters was the first to have been led by the PJD, Morocco’s biggest Islamist party which led the elected government from 2011 until 2021, a sign the movement is growing more vocal in opposition.

Protesters chanted “Palestine is not for sale”, “Resistance go ahead to victory and liberation” and “the people want an end to normalisation”, referring to the policy of Morocco and other Arab states normalising ties with Israel.

Israel vowed to annihilate Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, after Hamas militants burst across the fence on Oct. 7 and went on a rampage through Israeli towns, gunning down families in their homes, killing 1,200 people and seizing 240 hostages.

Since then, Gaza’s health authorities say at least 17,700 people have been confirmed killed in Israeli strikes, with thousands more missing and presumed dead under the rubble.

Morocco agreed to strengthen ties with Israel in 2020, under a deal brokered by the U.S. administration under then President Donald Trump that also included Washington recognising Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Despite their policy of normalising ties with Israel, Moroccan authorities have said they continue to back the creation of a Palestinian state and have urged a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of all civilians there.

Islamist and leftist parties and groups in Morocco have increasingly spoken out against the normalisation policy since the start of the war in Gaza on Oct. 7.

Protesters on Sunday also called for a boycott of brands they accuse of supporting Israel.

“We call on Morocco to end diplomatic relations with Israel, a country that killed children and women in Gaza and destroyed hospitals in full brutality,” said Ahmed El Yandouzi, as he was queuing to sign a petition with a Palestinian scarf around his neck.

Although Morocco and Israel have not yet completed the process of setting up full embassies in each other’s countries as they agreed to do, they have moved closer together, signing a defence cooperation pact.

The PJD was in office when Morocco agreed the normalisation deal with Israel, with its then leader Saad Dine El Otmani signing it as prime minister, but the policy was ultimately set by King Mohammed, who sets overall strategy.

The new PJD leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, has said signing the agreement was a mistake.

The royal court has previously asked the PJD to stop criticising Morocco’s ties with Israel.

IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva told Reuters earlier this month that the IMF had reached a staff-level agreement with Morocco to provide a $1.3 billion loan to bolster the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters from the RST.

Kozack also said a key consideration in the decision to proceed with the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Marrakech from Oct. 9-15 was ensuring that the events did not disrupt vital relief and reconstruction efforts after a Sept. 8 earthquake struck in the High Atlas Mountains, killing more than 2,900 people.

She told reporters at a regular briefing that the meetings would be adapted to the circumstances, but gave no details, saying the schedule was still being finalized.

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Kozack said the meetings in Marrakech had been in preparation for five years, having been postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and came at a consequential time for the global economy and IMF members.

“I’m confident that these meetings will showcase the strength of Morocco, the Moroccan people and the Moroccan authorities,” she said. “This is the first time in 50 years that the annual meeting will be held on the African continent.”

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She said they would offer a good opportunity for global leaders to discuss the wide range of challenges they faced, many of which particularly affected low-income and vulnerable countries.

Georgieva will hold a “curtainraiser” speech in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Oct. 5 to set the stage for the meetings, Kozack said.

Omar Al-Thuwaini, the general supervisor of the “Fazaa for Morocco” humanitarian campaign, stated that 14 charitable associations are participating in the initiative. Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency on Saturday, Al-Thuwaini emphasized the goal of assisting the affected communities in Morocco after the earthquake struck various regions. Envoys from the associations have been deployed to supervise the distribution of relief and offer support to the victims.

Al-Thuwaini further explained, “We have reached some regions that were ravaged by the earthquake and examined the volume of the damage.” According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the associations have distributed 1,100 food parcels and 2,200 blankets to more than 7,000 people affected by the earthquake.

Meshari Al-Enezi, representing the Al-Najat charity, highlighted that the Kuwaiti groups would focus on rebuilding houses, schools, and medical centers in the damaged areas during the second phase of the relief operation. These activities are being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government departments, as they are part of the broader framework of Kuwaiti charity work abroad.

Khaled Al-Shamri, the director of the Namaa charity, expressed his profound shock when witnessing the extent of the destruction during his tour of the affected regions. The scenes of devastation have further motivated the charitable associations to intensify their efforts and provide assistance to those in need.

The Kuwaiti associations’ relief operations in Morocco reflect the spirit of solidarity and compassion among nations in times of crisis. Their coordinated efforts, in collaboration with Moroccan authorities, aim to alleviate suffering, provide essential supplies, and contribute to the reconstruction and recovery of the affected areas.

As the relief operations continue, the Kuwaiti charitable associations remain committed to supporting the people of Morocco and working hand in hand with local communities to rebuild their lives and restore normalcy in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Georgieva also said in an exclusive interview that the IMF has reached a staff-level agreement with Morocco to provide a $1.3 billion loan to bolster the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters from the Fund’s new Resilience and Sustainability Trust.

Questions have swirled over whether the IMF and World Bank would still hold their annual meetings in Morocco’s tourist hub of Marrakech since a devastating, 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck in the High Atlas Mountains, killing more than 2,900 people.

Marrakech, 45 miles (72 km) from the quake’s epicenter, suffered some damage in its ancient Medina quarter, but Moroccan officials have pressed the IMF and World Bank to proceed with the gathering, which would bring some 10,000-15,000 to the city.

“The Moroccan authorities are fully committed to the meetings,” Georgieva said in her first public comments on the matter since the disaster.

In describing discussions with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, Georgieva expressed concern that the IMF and World Bank “don’t want to be a burden” to the country as it deals with recovery efforts.

But she said the prime minister told her that it would be “quite devastating” for Morocco’s hospitality sector if the meetings were not to take place in Marrakech. She added that she agreed to look for ways to simplify the meetings if they proceed in Marrakech, including possibly reducing their length and scaling back attendance.

“Stay tuned. By Monday, we will have made a decision in taking into account all factors. Obviously physical capacity, how the logistics are going to work,” Georgieva said, adding that security for participants was not a major concern.

Georgieva said the $1.3 billion RST loan for Morocco needed approval from the IMF’s Executive Board, but board consideration would likely take place in about two weeks, before the annual meetings start.

While the loan would not be directly related to the earthquake disaster, she said it would be aimed at building reslience to climate shocks, including drought, and help build the country’s overall financial capacity.

Morocco also has access to a $5 billion flexible creditline from the IMF, approved in April, that is aimed at strengthening the countries’ crisis prevention capabilities.

The embassy has confirmed that Saudi citizens are safe and has advised them to adhere to the instructions provided by crisis management authorities. Additionally, it has been working in coordination with Moroccan authorities to facilitate the evacuation of Saudi nationals from the affected regions.

Expressing solidarity and compassion, the embassy extended its condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Morocco during this challenging time.

As of late Saturday, the death toll from the earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.8, had tragically risen to 1,037. The earthquake also caused over 1,200 injuries, further intensifying the impact of the disaster.

Efforts are underway to provide immediate assistance, including medical aid and relief supplies, to those affected by the earthquake. Local and international organizations, as well as neighboring countries, have pledged their support and solidarity with Morocco in this time of crisis.

The Saudi Embassy in Morocco, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Saudi citizens residing or visiting the affected areas. It stands ready to provide any necessary assistance and support to those in need.

Natural disasters like earthquakes can have devastating consequences, causing loss of life, injury, and displacement of individuals and communities. The global community stands united in extending its support and solidarity to countries affected by such tragedies, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and assistance during times of crisis.

Saudi Arabia and Morocco share deep and longstanding ties, and the Saudi government’s swift response in confirming the safety of its citizens and offering assistance is a testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship. The Kingdom’s commitment to the well-being and security of its citizens, both at home and abroad, remains unwavering.

As the affected regions work towards recovery and rehabilitation, the international community continues to offer its thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. Efforts to rebuild and restore normalcy will require sustained collaboration, resources, and support from all stakeholders involved.

The Saudi Embassy in Morocco, alongside the Kingdom’s diplomatic missions worldwide, will remain vigilant and responsive to any further developments, ensuring the safety and welfare of Saudi citizens abroad as a top priority.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, people took to the streets, choosing to remain outside due to the fear of subsequent aftershocks. Morocco’s Interior Ministry reported early Saturday that the quake had resulted in a tragic death toll of at least 296 individuals in the provinces near the epicenter. Additionally, 153 injured individuals were transported to hospitals for urgent medical care. The ministry noted that the majority of the damage occurred in rural areas rather than within cities and towns.

Disturbing videos posted by Moroccans showcased buildings reduced to rubble and clouds of dust. Parts of the renowned red walls surrounding Marrakech’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered damage. Tourists and locals shared videos capturing scenes of panic as people evacuated restaurants while throbbing club music played in the background.

The head of a town near the earthquake’s epicenter revealed that several homes in nearby towns had either partially or completely collapsed. Furthermore, the region experienced disruptions in electricity and road connectivity. Abderrahim Ait Daoud, the head of the town of Talat N’Yaaqoub, explained that authorities were diligently working to clear roads in Al Haouz Province to facilitate the passage of ambulances and aid to affected populations. However, due to the vast distances between mountain villages, it will take time to fully assess the extent of the damage.

Local media reports indicated that roads leading to the mountainous region surrounding the epicenter were congested with vehicles and blocked by collapsed rocks, impeding swift rescue efforts.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake initially registered a magnitude of 6.8 when it struck at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT), with the tremors lasting several seconds. The US agency reported a magnitude-4.9 aftershock occurring 19 minutes later.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) south of Marrakech. The USGS stated that the epicenter was situated 18 kilometers (11 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, while Morocco’s seismic agency estimated it to be 8 kilometers (5 miles) deep. In either case, shallow earthquakes of this nature tend to be more hazardous.

North Africa is not frequently subjected to earthquakes. Lahcen Mhanni, the Head of the Seismic Monitoring and Warning Department at the National Institute of Geophysics, confirmed to 2M TV that this earthquake was the most powerful ever recorded in the mountainous region. The last significant earthquake in Morocco occurred in 2004, when a 6.4 magnitude quake struck near the coastal city of Al Hoceima, resulting in more than 600 fatalities.

Reports indicate that the effects of the earthquake were felt as far away as Portugal and Algeria, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere and Algeria’s Civil Defense agency, which oversees emergency response. The widespread impact of the quake underscores the urgent need for rescue operations and support for affected communities in Morocco.

Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative played a pivotal role in transforming the country’s tourism landscape.

With Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Morocco taking the lead, Arab countries in 2022 witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, setting new records and highlighting the growing appeal of the region to global travelers.

According to data released by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Saudi Arabia welcomed an impressive 18 million tourists in 2022, positioning itself as a vibrant and captivating destination for visitors from around the globe. The Kingdom’s strategic efforts to open up to international tourists and promote its rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and natural wonders have paid off, boosting its tourism industry and diversifying its economy.

The Emirates, known for their ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping, and top-notch hospitality, saw a remarkable influx of 14.8 million tourists in 2022. The UAE’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure, including expanding world-class airports, iconic hotels, and entertainment facilities, has cemented its status as a must-visit destination. The synergy between traditional culture and futuristic innovation continues to be a major draw for travelers.

Morocco, with its enchanting landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant souks, saw 11 million tourists exploring its colorful streets and soaking in its rich heritage. The country’s sustainable tourism initiatives, aimed at preserving its natural and cultural treasures, have contributed to its increasing popularity among travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative played a pivotal role in transforming the country’s tourism landscape. The relaxation of visa regulations, the opening of iconic attractions like Al-Ula and Qiddiya, and the development of luxury resorts along the Red Sea coast have collectively contributed to the surge in visitor numbers. These efforts have not only generated revenue but also created jobs and opportunities for the local population.

The UAE’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences to tourists was exemplified by hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, a global event that brought the world together under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. The Expo showcased the UAE’s innovation, culture, and progress, drawing millions of visitors and adding a substantial boost to the country’s tourism numbers.

In Morocco, the preservation of cultural heritage remained a focal point. The successful integration of modern amenities with age-old traditions has made the country a treasure trove for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Initiatives like the “Green Morocco Plan” aimed at sustainable development, the restoration of historical sites, and the promotion of local crafts have all contributed to Morocco’s appeal.

As tourism continues to flourish in Arab countries, the focus on sustainable practices and responsible travel remains paramount. The efforts of these nations to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation are commendable and reflect a broader global trend towards conscious and mindful tourism.

In the wake of this tourism boom, Arab countries are not only captivating the world with their cultural diversity and natural beauty but also contributing significantly to their economies and international reputation. As the 2022 statistics indicate, the Arab world has truly emerged as a powerhouse on the global tourism stage, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Morocco leading the way into a promising and exciting future.

Borders between the Maghreb region’s two most populous nations have been kept closed since 1994, despite repeated calls by Morocco in recent years for their reopening.

Algeria unilaterally cut ties with Morocco in 2021 and halted the flow of a gas pipeline to Spain via Morocco. It later banned all Moroccan aircrafts from crossing its airspace.

The Western Sahara dispute has been at the heart of worsening ties between the two countries.

Morocco considers the territory its own, but the Algerian-backed Polisario front wants to establish an independent state there.

“I pray to Almighty God for things to return to normality, and for the opening of borders between the two neighbouring, sister countries and peoples,” said Morocco’s king in a speech.

He also welcomed Israeli recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a decision fiercely criticized by Algeria, which has previously expressed discontent at the growing security ties between Rabat and Tel Aviv.

“I should like to tell the leaders and people of our sister nation, Algeria, that no evil will ever be done to them, nor will any harm ever come to them from Morocco,” king Mohammed said.

Algeria’s President Abdelmedjid Tebboune said earlier this year that relations with Morocco had reached “the point of no return”.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own territory, but the Algerian-backed Polisario Front wants to establish an independent state there. The dispute has soured Morocco’s relations with some of its neighbours, most of all Algeria.

The Dominican Republic’s position was expressed in a letter by its foreign minister Roberto Álvarez, Morocco’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Dominican Republic’s stance aligns it with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, which opened a consulate in Western Sahara last year.

Winning support for its rule over Western Sahara has been the ultimate goal of Moroccan diplomacy.

Some 28 other states, mostly Arab and African, have opened consulates in the territory as tangible proof of their support for Rabat.

Earlier this month Morocco won Israel’s recognition of its sovereignty claim over the territory, following a similar move by the United States in 2020. Algeria has strongly criticised Israel’s move.