1. Peru’s support for Sahara autonomy plan
2. Ending decades of ambiguity
3. Strengthening Morocco-Peru ties
4. Morocco’s expanding diplomatic reach

Peru’s newly elected president Keiko Fujimori has begun charting clear directions for her foreign policy in the early weeks following her contentious election victory. One of the most significant shifts involves Peru’s stance on Morocco’s territorial integrity—a position highlighted during a recent meeting with Morocco’s ambassador to Peru, Amine Chaoudri, who presented a congratulatory letter from King Mohammed VI.

Peru’s support for Sahara autonomy plan

During the meeting in Lima, President Fujimori’s administration confirmed its full backing for Morocco’s territorial sovereignty and the autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2797.

The ambassador also delivered a letter from King Mohammed VI congratulating Fujimori on her election and emphasizing the strong historical bonds between Morocco and Peru. The monarch expressed his commitment to “enhancing our bilateral partnership” and fostering “multilateral cooperation” for the benefit of both nations.

Ending decades of ambiguity

Fujimori’s statement carries significant weight, signaling a clear departure from previous Peruvian governments that maintained ambiguous—or at times openly supportive—positions toward the Polisario Front.

The shift traces back to 1984, when former President Fernando Belaúnde Terry became the first Peruvian leader to recognize the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). His successor, Alan García, formalized diplomatic relations with the SADR in 1987, a position maintained until 1996 when Alberto Fujimori—Keiko Fujimori’s father—suspended recognition following his election.

For the next 25 years, Peru maintained a neutral stance under successive administrations, including those of Valentín Paniagua, Alejandro Toledo, Alan García’s second term, Ollanta Humala, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, Martín Vizcarra, Manuel Merino, and Francisco Sagasti.

Strengthening Morocco-Peru ties

The recent diplomatic realignment coincides with Morocco’s intensified engagement across Latin America, where the Polisario Front had previously enjoyed considerable support. Through expanded economic, cultural, and educational cooperation, Morocco has forged closer ties with multiple countries in the region, positioning itself as a key gateway between Africa, Europe, and the Arab world.

As a result, several nations that once recognized the SADR have since withdrawn their support. Countries including Colombia, Guatemala, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, El Salvador, Guyana, Ecuador, and Panama have either suspended recognition or severed diplomatic ties with the Polisario Front.

Morocco’s expanding diplomatic reach

Fujimori’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan reflects a broader trend across Latin America, where nations are increasingly aligning with Morocco’s vision for a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara dispute. This diplomatic momentum underscores Morocco’s growing influence in the region and its ability to foster strategic partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.