Bolivia suspends recognition of SADR in diplomatic win for Morocco

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Bolivia has suspended its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), marking a significant diplomatic development in Morocco’s long-running campaign to consolidate international support for its position on Western Sahara.

The decision was confirmed following a conversation between Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Bolivia’s Foreign Minister, Fernando Aramayo.

According to an official statement from Rabat, the Plurinational State of Bolivia undertook a sovereign review of its foreign policy in alignment with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025) and reaffirmed its support for the UN-led political process on Western Sahara.

Following that review, Bolivia announced it would suspend diplomatic relations with the entity known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and terminate all official contacts. The statement noted that the SADR is not recognised as a member state of the United Nations.

Restoration of Morocco–Bolivia Relations

Bolivia’s move paves the way for a renewed chapter in bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Latin American nation. Both governments have agreed to restore diplomatic ties and initiate procedures to establish resident diplomatic missions in La Paz and Rabat.

Morocco welcomed the decision, describing it as part of broader international efforts to reach a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution to the Western Sahara dispute within the framework of the United Nations.

Growing International Support

Bolivia joins a number of countries that have reconsidered or withdrawn recognition of the SADR in recent years, with many shifting their support toward the UN-led process aimed at achieving a negotiated settlement.

Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara has gained increasing international backing. In 2020, under President Donald Trump, the United States became the first major global power to formally recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and endorse its autonomy proposal.

Subsequently, several European countries adjusted their positions. Spain expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in 2022, followed by France in 2024.

In 2025, the United Kingdom described Morocco’s autonomy plan as the “most credible, viable and pragmatic basis” for resolving the dispute in a joint statement with Rabat. 

Beyond the diplomatic arena, Morocco has strengthened its position as a strategic player in Africa and the Mediterranean region. The capital, Rabat, has intensified bilateral engagements across Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

The country has also experienced sustained growth in tourism, infrastructure, and transport development, reinforcing its regional influence and economic standing.

Bolivia’s decision represents the latest diplomatic gain for Morocco as the international landscape surrounding the Western Sahara dispute continues to evolve.