Italy: Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Sahara highlighted in Verona

A panel of Moroccan and Italian experts highlighted, on Saturday 23 May 2026 in Verona (northern Italy), the relevance of the autonomy plan proposed by the Kingdom of Morocco to resolve the artificial conflict surrounding the Moroccan Sahara, and thus contribute to the development of the entire region.

Under the theme “Autonomy and Regional Governance: Comparative Perspectives on the Italian Experience and the Moroccan Perspective,” the speakers unanimously emphasized that the autonomy plan constitutes the only pragmatic framework and the sole solution for peace and stability in the Sahara, a strategic hub capable of fostering a climate of stability in a region facing multiple security challenges.

In this context, the Italian senator for the Trentin-Alto-Adige region, Luigi Spagnolli, indicated that the autonomy plan for the Sahara is able to meet the specific needs of the local populations, emphasizing Resolution 2797 adopted last October by the United Nations Security Council.

For his part, political scientist and international relations expert Marco Baratto indicated that by proposing expanded autonomy within the framework of national sovereignty, Morocco offers a sustainable political perspective making the development of the southern provinces a lever for consolidating this dynamic at the regional level.

Concerning the professor of International Relations and Conflict Resolution Expert Yasmine El Hassnaoui, he noted that the autonomy plan constitutes a solution to a balanced and realistic compromise that respects Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also provided an overview of significant development investments in the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and transport connectivity such as those existing in Laâyoune and Dakhla that aim to transform the Southern Provinces into gateways linking Morocco to sub-Saharan Africa.

The Moroccan expert, Mr. Abdelilah Nejjari, reviewed the latest developments regarding the Moroccan Sahara. He noted that the 2797 resolution now represents the main point of reference for international legitimacy regarding the issue of the Moroccan Sahara under the auspices of the United Nations and based on the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.

Finally, all the participants felt that the autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 constituted “the only pragmatic framework” capable of fostering a lasting political solution while consolidating regional stability.

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