RABAT — August 2026 — Colombia has issued a new diplomatic statement reaffirming its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire national territory, including the Sahara, while announcing that it is freezing its previous recognition of the so-called “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (SADR).
The announcement represents a significant shift in Bogotá’s position and could have important implications for its role in international discussions on the Sahara, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, where Colombia currently holds a non-permanent seat.
Bogotá Conducts a “Sovereign Review”
In a statement issued by Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bogotá explained that its decision followed a “sovereign review” of the recognition of the so-called SADR granted by a previous government.
The Colombian government cited the fact that the entity is not recognized by the United Nations as a member state, while also linking the decision to its objective of strengthening the strategic partnership between Colombia and Morocco.
The new policy effectively freezes Colombia’s previous recognition and establishes a different diplomatic framework for its future engagement with the Sahara issue.
According to the Colombian statement, there will be no political or diplomatic contact, no exchange of missions, and no support for the so-called SADR in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Security Council.
A Potentially Important Role at the UN Security Council
Colombia’s position could be particularly significant because the country currently serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
By explicitly ruling out support for the separatist entity in multilateral forums, Bogotá is signaling that its approach at the United Nations will be aligned with its newly announced diplomatic position.
Colombia also stressed that its decision fully respects international law, the UN Charter, and the framework established by Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) concerning the Sahara.
For Morocco, the development strengthens its diplomatic position at a time when the Sahara issue remains a central focus of international diplomacy.
A New Chapter in Morocco-Colombia Relations
The Colombian government described its decision as part of an effort to “revitalize” relations with Morocco, a diplomatic partner for nearly five decades.
Bogotá said it wants to build a “renewed relationship” with Rabat based on a long-term vision and closer bilateral cooperation that serves the interests of both nations.
The two countries are now looking toward an ambitious expansion of their partnership beyond diplomatic affairs.
Potential areas of cooperation include:
- Trade and investment
- Tourism
- Food security
- Port development
- Logistics
- Atlantic connectivity
- Economic cooperation
- Regional development
The emphasis on Atlantic connectivity is particularly significant, given Morocco’s growing role as a gateway between Europe and Africa and Colombia’s strategic position in Latin America.
Bourita’s Visit to Cali Sets the Stage
The announcement follows Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita’s participation in a major ceremony in Cali on August 7.
Representing King Mohammed VI, Bourita attended the inauguration ceremony of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
His presence, carried out at the King’s instructions, was seen by Rabat as a clear demonstration of Morocco’s desire to strengthen relations with the new Colombian administration.
The timing of the visit also provided an opportunity for the two governments to lay the groundwork for a broader strategic partnership.
A Diplomatic Realignment
Colombia’s latest statement goes beyond a simple change in diplomatic language.
By freezing recognition of the so-called SADR, ending political and diplomatic contact with the entity, and ruling out support for it at the United Nations, Bogotá has established a significantly different framework for its engagement with the Sahara issue.
At the same time, Colombia has reaffirmed Morocco’s sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara, placing the question within the context of its broader strategic relationship with Rabat.
The decision could also have particular weight at the Security Council, where Colombia’s position may contribute to a changing diplomatic landscape surrounding the issue.
Morocco and Colombia Look Toward an “Unprecedented” Partnership
The latest development reflects what both sides describe as a shared determination to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.
For Morocco, Colombia represents an important partner in Latin America and a potential gateway to deeper economic and diplomatic engagement across the region.
For Colombia, closer ties with Morocco offer an opportunity to strengthen its presence in Africa and expand commercial connections through a country that increasingly serves as a bridge between African, European, and Atlantic markets.
The two governments now appear determined to transform the diplomatic breakthrough into tangible economic cooperation.
The message from Bogotá is clear: Colombia is freezing its recognition of the so-called SADR, reaffirming Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, and preparing to deepen its strategic partnership with Rabat.
The move could mark one of the most consequential developments in Morocco-Colombia relations in decades—and potentially give a new dimension to Morocco’s diplomatic efforts surrounding the Sahara at the United Nations.
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