Mauritania has revised its position on the Western Sahara conflict, now considering Morocco's autonomy plan as "the most credible" solution. The announcement was made by Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug during a press conference in Nouakchott on September 23, 2026.
This shift aligns Mauritania with a growing international consensus. The United States, France, Spain, and several other nations have previously expressed support for Morocco's autonomy initiative as a realistic path forward. The plan, first proposed by Morocco in 2007, would grant the Western Sahara region a degree of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty.
Mauritania's decision is significant due to its geographic and cultural ties to the region. The country shares a long border with Western Sahara and has historically maintained a neutral stance, hosting peace talks and advocating for a negotiated settlement. The new position could influence other African states and the African Union, where the dispute has been a divisive issue.
The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, has not yet responded to Mauritania's statement. The United Nations continues to facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving a mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with Security Council resolutions.
