Sahara: The Central American Parliament Reaffirms Its Support for the Autonomy Initiative

Expressed in the “Laâyoune Declaration” adopted at the conclusion of the joint meeting held Wednesday in Laâyoune to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Moroccan Parliament’s accession to PARLACEN as a permanent observer member, this position highlights the socio-economic development efforts witnessed firsthand during a visit by a delegation from this regional institution to the southern provinces.

This stance aligns squarely with the values of the Central American Parliament, rooted in non-interference in the internal affairs of states, respect for their sovereignty, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions and dialogue.

The Declaration, signed by the President of the House of Councillors, Mohamed Ould Errachid, and the President of PARLACEN, Carlos René Hernández, also emphasized the Atlantic Initiative aimed at facilitating Sahel countries’ access to the Atlantic Ocean. This initiative envisions transforming Morocco’s Atlantic coast into a logistical interconnection hub with Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Both parties further expressed their shared commitment to enhancing communication and cooperation on issues of mutual interest, as well as coordinating within international forums. They jointly endorsed the organization of the Regional Forum on Immigration, scheduled for late this April in the Dominican Republic, as an annual event to discuss migration-related challenges and share experiences in this field.

The Declaration underscored the importance of joint action to implement the objectives of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum and to operationalize the Forum’s General Secretariat at the headquarters of the House of Councillors.

The geostrategic position of the Kingdom, bolstered by the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI and its regional influence, establishes Morocco as a strategic partner in the African continent and a secure gateway for Central American countries to Africa and the Arab world. The Declaration added that the friendship and collaborative ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and Central American states are founded on consultation and respect for national sovereignty.

Since 2015, the Parliament of Morocco has been the first Maghreb, African, and Arab legislative body to join PARLACEN as a permanent observer member. Efforts by both parties to expand bilateral and multilateral relations led to the establishment of the Afro-Latin American Parliamentary Forum (AFROLAC), whose General Secretariat is headquartered at the House of Councillors.

The “Laâyoune Declaration” highlighted the House of Councillors’ significant support for PARLACEN’s institutional work. It noted that, given the multifaceted geopolitical challenges facing the peoples of Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean amid global shifts, South-South cooperation has become a strategic pillar in the foreign policies of both regions and an essential choice for advancing dialogue, solidarity, and sustainable development.