Colombia Recognizes Moroccan Sovereignty Over Sahara Region

The Government of Colombia officially recognized the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its southern provinces in the Sahara and withdrew its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The shift began on August 7 and 8, 2026, during a series of meetings in Cali coinciding with the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, representing King Mohammed VI, met with Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar to finalize the diplomatic transition.

By August 10, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the decision followed a sovereign review, noting that the SADR is not recognized by the United Nations as a member state. Colombia stated it will cease all political and diplomatic contact with the SADR and end its support in multilateral forums. This move aligns Colombia with recent similar decisions made by Bolivia, Mali, and Honduras.

Officials from both nations characterized the development as historic. The two governments intend to use the new alignment to serve as mutual economic platforms for Africa and Latin America, focusing on trade, investment, food security, and Atlantic connectivity.