The Republic of Ghana has officially suspended diplomatic ties with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). This move was communicated in a formal document from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates.
The document stated that Ghana would immediately inform the Kingdom of Morocco, the African Union, and the United Nations of its decision through diplomatic channels. Furthermore, Ghana expressed its support for Morocco’s good-faith efforts to resolve the Western Sahara dispute through mutually acceptable solutions.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s foreign policy, given that the country had recognized the so-called SADR in 1979. However, the shift aligns with the growing international momentum in favor of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.
Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has intensified its diplomatic efforts to consolidate support for its autonomy plan for the Sahara region. These efforts have been met with considerable success, as 46 countries, including 13 from Africa, have severed or suspended their relations with SADR since 2000.
Ghana’s decision further underscores the diminishing recognition of SADR, which has been a contentious issue in African and international diplomacy. The Kingdom of Morocco has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution through its autonomy initiative, which has garnered widespread international backing, including from major powers and multilateral organizations.
This suspension of ties by Ghana is expected to bolster Morocco’s position at regional and global levels. It also highlights the shifting dynamics within the African Union, where divisions over the SADR’s status have persisted since its controversial admission in 1984.
As the African continent moves toward greater economic and political integration, Ghana’s decision reflects the growing consensus that resolving the Western Sahara issue is crucial for regional stability and unity. The development is yet another testament to the effectiveness of Morocco’s diplomatic strategy under King Mohammed VI, whose leadership continues to reshape the international discourse on the Moroccan Sahara.
