Morocco Scores New Diplomatic Breakthrough in Mexico: Calls Emerge to Withdraw Recognition of "Phantom Republic"

Mexico City, March 1, 2025 – In a fresh diplomatic win for Morocco, influential voices within Mexico’s political sphere are urging the country to retract its recognition of the so-called "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" (SADR) and normalize ties with the Kingdom of Morocco. Leading the charge is Jesús Zambrano Suárez, head of the Political Coordination Committee in Mexico City’s parliament and a prominent figure in the Green Ecologist Party (PVEM). This development signals a potential shift in Mexico’s stance on the Western Sahara issue, bolstering Morocco’s regional and global standing.

اختراق كبير في المكسيك ?? وسحب الاعتراف بجمهورية الوهم قريب جدا..

بعد رئيس الحزب الثوري المؤسساتي جاء دور خيسوس سيزما سواريز رئيس لجنة التنسيق السياسي في برلمان مدينة مكسيكو وواحد من القيادات في حزب الخضر الإيكولوجيين PVEM، ليدعو الى سحب الاعتراف بالجمهورية الوهمية واقامة علاقات… pic.twitter.com/P0BzUwRgV6 — For Western Sahara (@WesternSaharaQ) February 28, 2025

A Pivotal Call from a Key Figure

Jesús Zambrano Suárez’s statements mark a significant moment in Morocco’s diplomatic outreach in Latin America. As a heavyweight in Mexican politics, Suárez argued that recognizing the "phantom republic" misaligns with the political and legal realities of the Western Sahara dispute. He praised Morocco as a beacon of stability and development, urging a reevaluation of Mexico’s position to foster "natural relations" with the North African kingdom. His words carry weight, amplifying a growing pro-Morocco sentiment in the region.

This push follows earlier support from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Mexico’s long-dominant political force, whose leader also endorsed Morocco’s position and called for stronger bilateral ties. Together, these moves suggest a broader realignment in Mexican foreign policy, favoring Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Context: Morocco’s Steady Diplomatic Gains

Morocco’s diplomatic momentum stems from its persistent efforts to cement legitimacy over Western Sahara, a territory it considers an integral part of its sovereignty. The Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, proposed in 2007, has gained traction as a pragmatic and final solution to the decades-long conflict, winning endorsements from numerous countries. In Latin America, nations like Panama and Ecuador recently withdrew recognition of the SADR in 2024, joining a trend that Suárez’s stance could accelerate in Mexico.

The timing aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to expand its influence in Latin America. With trade, cultural exchanges, and political dialogues on the rise, the kingdom is positioning itself as a reliable partner, countering the dwindling relevance of the Polisario Front’s separatist claims.

Why Now? A Shift in Perspective

Suárez’s critique of the SADR’s recognition as outdated reflects a pragmatic turn. He emphasized that Morocco’s stability and developmental strides make it a more credible ally than a "phantom" entity lacking tangible governance. This view echoes sentiments in posts on X, where users noted the PRI’s policy shift as a sign of Mexico moving toward acknowledging Morocco’s sovereignty ([X sentiment, February 28, 2025]). For Mexico, normalizing ties with Morocco could unlock economic and diplomatic benefits, especially as bilateral relations remain underdeveloped despite shared potential.

The backdrop includes Morocco’s recent diplomatic successes—12 Latin American embassies now operate in Rabat, up from five in 2018, signaling growing regional support. Suárez’s call could nudge Mexico to join this wave, further isolating the SADR’s backers.

Unexpected Twist: Mexico’s Political Dynamics

A surprising element lies in the domestic context. The PVEM, Suárez’s party, often aligns with Mexico’s ruling Morena coalition, yet this move diverges from President Claudia Sheinbaum’s cautious foreign policy. It suggests an independent streak among Mexico’s political elite, possibly driven by local leaders like Suárez seeking to carve out a distinct legacy. This internal push could pressure the federal government to reconsider its stance, despite historical ties to anti-colonial movements that once bolstered SADR support.

Implications for Morocco and Latin America

If Mexico heeds Suárez’s call, it would mark a diplomatic coup for Morocco, further eroding the SADR’s legitimacy in Latin America. Enhanced Morocco-Mexico relations could pave the way for trade deals, cultural exchanges, and cooperation on issues like migration and security—areas where both nations have mutual interests. For Morocco, it’s another step in King Mohammed VI’s strategy to secure territorial unity and global recognition.

The ripple effect might influence other Latin American states, where Morocco’s autonomy plan is gaining ground. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva voiced support for it in October 2024, hinting at a regional shift that Mexico could join.

Snapshot: Morocco’s Mexican Breakthrough

• Date: February 28, 2025
• Key Figure: Jesús Zambrano Suárez (PVEM)
• Issue: Withdraw SADR recognition, normalize Morocco ties
• Context: PRI support, Morocco’s autonomy plan
• Impact: Strengthens Morocco’s Latin American foothold

Conclusion: A Turning Tide

Morocco’s latest diplomatic stride in Mexico, led by Suárez’s bold stance, underscores the kingdom’s growing clout in Latin America. As calls to ditch the "phantom republic" gain traction, Morocco edges closer to consolidating its Western Sahara narrative. Whether Mexico’s government follows suit remains to be seen, but the momentum is unmistakable. For the latest on this evolving story, keep an eye on regional news and X trends like #Morocco and #WesternSahara.