San Salvador– In a historic decision, the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) has officially endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara. The vote took place during the General Assembly held in San Salvador.
PARLACEN unanimously recognized Morocco’s plan as the “only serious, pragmatic, and credible solution” to the long-standing Sahara conflict. The body also affirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Diplomatic Milestone Marks 10 Years of Morocco-PARLACEN Ties
This endorsement coincided with the 10th anniversary of Morocco’s status as an observer member of PARLACEN. The parliament emphasized its commitment to international peace, respect for sovereignty, and regional cooperation.
The declaration stated:
“We urge the international community to support diplomatic efforts to resolve this artificially prolonged dispute.”
Morocco’s Role Recognized at San Salvador Forum
The endorsement followed the visit of Mohamed Ould Errachid, President of Morocco’s Chamber of Counselors, to San Salvador. Together with Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa, he opened the Parliamentary Economic Forum on Investment and Development.
Ould Errachid received a certificate recognizing Morocco’s contribution to regional cooperation. The certificate emphasized Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only viable resolution to the Sahara issue.
Laayoune Declaration Strengthens Alliance
Earlier in April, a PARLACEN delegation, led by President Carlos Hernández, visited Morocco. The delegation toured Laayoune and signed the “Laayoune Declaration,” which praised Morocco’s southern development model and reaffirmed its political stability under King Mohammed VI.
This visit significantly boosted inter-parliamentary ties and aligned PARLACEN’s foreign policy stance with Morocco’s territorial claims.
Latin American Countries Increasingly Support Morocco
The PARLACEN resolution aligns with a growing trend among Central American and Caribbean nations to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
- Dominican Republic voiced firm support during a meeting between President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in August 2024.
- El Salvador is considering opening a consulate in Laayoune, with Vice President Ulloa calling it a “key step” in May 2025.
- Panama cut ties with the Polisario Front in November 2024 and has since deepened bilateral relations with Morocco.
Morocco Expands Diplomatic Reach in the Region
Today, over 30 countries have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla to demonstrate recognition of Moroccan sovereignty. These include key regional and Gulf allies like Jordan, Bahrain, and the UAE.
Even nations like Kenya and the UK, which once maintained neutrality or support for the Polisario, now endorse the Moroccan Autonomy Plan.
The UK’s formal recognition earlier this year was described as a “historic correction of course.”
Nicaragua’s Dissenting Voice Fails to Shift Consensus
Despite overwhelming support, some dissent exists within PARLACEN. On May 28, José Antonio Zepeda, a Nicaraguan MP, read a statement backing the Polisario Front. The declaration occurred at the PARLACEN headquarters in Panama City.
Zepeda and fellow members later visited Algiers, but Uruguay’s delegation did not participate or visit the Tindouf refugee camps, which are administered by the Polisario.
Geopolitical Context: Morocco and Algeria as Observers
Both Morocco (since 2015) and Algeria (since 2023) hold observer status in PARLACEN. However, Morocco’s growing influence has significantly outpaced Algeria’s within the body.
PARLACEN includes El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Its current president, Carlos René Hernández of El Salvador, has been instrumental in shaping pro-Moroccan policy.
Regional Shift Toward Moroccan Sovereignty
The Central American Parliament’s vote marks a turning point in global diplomacy surrounding Western Sahara. With Central America, the Caribbean, and much of Africa now backing the Autonomy Plan, Algeria and the Polisario’s support base continues to shrink.
The international community is steadily recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces, undermining decades-old narratives and reshaping the regional order.
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