The Republic of Mali has officially withdrawn its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), marking a significant shift in its foreign policy on the long-standing Western Sahara dispute.
The announcement was made in a government statement delivered by Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, following a high-level meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, in Bamako.
According to the statement, the decision came “following a thorough review” of the Western Sahara issue, which Mali said has direct implications for peace and security in the sub-region. As a result, Bamako declared that it no longer recognises the SADR, a self-proclaimed state backed by the Polisario Front.
The visit of Bourita to Mali was undertaken under the directive of King Mohammed VI, reflecting Morocco’s sustained diplomatic push to consolidate support for its position on Western Sahara across Africa.
In a notable policy alignment, Mali expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as “the only serious and credible basis” for resolving the dispute. The Malian government added that granting genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents “the most realistic solution” to the conflict.
Mali also reaffirmed its backing for ongoing international efforts to resolve the issue, including initiatives led by the United Nations. It specifically referenced support for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), which addresses the situation in Western Sahara.
The Malian government stated that it would formally communicate its new position to regional and international organisations of which it is a member, as well as to members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Bamako.
Mali’s decision is expected to have wider diplomatic implications within Africa, where countries remain divided over the status of Western Sahara, one of the continent’s most enduring geopolitical disputes.
