Moroccan Sahara: Sierra Leone Reaffirms Its Support for Morocco

This position was expressed in a joint statement issued following talks between Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Freetown also renewed its support for the Autonomy Plan proposed by Morocco in 2007, which it considers "the only serious, credible and realistic basis” for reaching a definitive settlement of the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Toward New Momentum in Bilateral Relations

The two ministers also welcomed the excellent relations between Morocco and Sierra Leone, based on friendship, solidarity and mutual respect. They reaffirmed their determination to give new impetus to the bilateral partnership, in line with the orientations of the leaders of both countries.

With this in mind, Rabat and Freetown agreed to prepare a structured and ambitious roadmap aimed at deepening, broadening and diversifying their cooperation.

In this context, Mohamed Rahman Swarray will make a working visit to Morocco in October 2026, on a date to be determined later through diplomatic channels, at the invitation of Nasser Bourita.

Trade, Agriculture, Water and Mining at the Heart of the Partnership

The two sides wish to further orient their cooperation toward "shared prosperity,” focusing on several priority sectors identified by Sierra Leone. These include trade, agriculture, fertilizers, investment, water management, maritime fisheries, mining, culture and capacity building.

Freetown also welcomed several royal initiatives aimed at promoting development and regional integration in Africa, including the Atlantic African States Initiative and the Initiative to facilitate access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries.

According to the Sierra Leonean side, these initiatives are likely to promote regional integration, connectivity and sustainable development, while strengthening stability, solidarity and shared prosperity across the continent.

The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Highlighted

The two countries also stressed the strategic importance of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, which is expected to play a role in strengthening regional economic integration and generate benefits for the various countries concerned, including Sierra Leone.

Rabat and Freetown notably welcomed the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement relating to the project during the ordinary summit of heads of state and government held in Freetown in July 2026.

The two sides believe that this megaproject could help unlock the region’s industrial potential and reduce its energy deficit.

Sierra Leone

Morocco