Bogotá, D.C., 28 November 2025 (SPS) – In a historic meeting, the President of the Republic, Gustavo Petro, presented this Thursday the foreign policy of his government regarding Western Sahara and the Sahrawi Republic, highlighting Colombia's full support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence.
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, the president appeared before the press wearing the traditional Sahrawi Darra, reflecting his respect for the culture and struggle of the Sahrawi people. This decision was announced during a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) led by Mohamed Zrug, the SADR's Ambassador for Relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and Mohamed Salem Aldelfatah, head of the Sahrawi diplomatic mission in Bogotá. The meeting was also attended by the Director of Asia, Africa, and Oceania from the Colombian Foreign Ministry, as well as Senator Gloria Flores, president of the Colombia Humana party, and other senior officials from the presidency.
Unprecedented Diplomatic Support
“The Sahrawi people have Colombia's full support in their legitimate struggle for self-determination and independence from Western Sahara,” President Petro stated, also condemning Morocco's occupation of the territory and the blockage of the self-determination referendum. This commitment dates back to August 2022, when, shortly after assuming the presidency, Petro decided to restore full diplomatic relations with the SADR.
Global Commitment to Sahrawi Self-Determination
In his speech, President Petro emphasized that, starting in 2026, when Colombia occupies a seat on the UN Security Council, his country will push for “unrestricted” support for the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination, a core principle of Colombia's foreign policy.
In one of the most significant revelations of the day, Petro announced that he had received an official invitation to visit the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Western Sahara’s independence, which led to the creation of the SADR.
Concrete Measures against the Illegal Exploitation of Resources
One of the most concrete announcements was that Colombia will stop purchasing fertilizers and phosphates from Morocco sourced from the occupied territories of Western Sahara. President Petro stated: “Colombia will no longer buy phosphates produced in territories of Western Sahara that are under illegal occupation, as these resources belong to the Sahrawi people.”
A Strategic Commitment from the State
This new stance positions Colombia as a key ally of the SADR in Latin America and the Caribbean, sending a clear message to other countries in CELAC and the Global South. The invitation for President Petro to participate in the celebrations of the SADR's 50th anniversary marks a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and positioning Colombia as a defender of the right to self-determination on the international stage.
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