On August 8, 2026, Colombia officially reversed its longstanding position on the Western Sahara dispute, recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the territory and withdrawing its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The announcement was made by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking a significant shift in the South American country's foreign policy.
The decision aligns Colombia with a growing number of countries, including the United States, Spain, and several African and Latin American nations, that have supported Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. The move is seen as a diplomatic victory for Morocco, which has been actively seeking to expand international recognition of its claim over the disputed territory.
Colombia's previous position had been supportive of the SADR, and this change reflects a broader realignment in Latin American diplomacy regarding the conflict. The Colombian government stated that the decision was based on its commitment to international law and the promotion of stability in the region.
The Polisario Front, which advocates for the independence of Western Sahara, has not yet issued an official response, but the move is expected to strain its diplomatic relations with Colombia. The United Nations continues to call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing since the 1970s.
