Key facts
- Colombia's new government recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
- Bogota withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
- Colombia recognized Israel's annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
- These decisions align with the foreign policy of Israel and the United States.
- The new stance reverses policies enacted by former President Gustavo Petro.
Colombia's newly elected far-right government has reversed its stance on Western Sahara, recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory. This decision, announced by Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, also involves withdrawing recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and freezing diplomatic ties with its independence movement. This marks a significant departure from the policies of former President Gustavo Petro, who had restored ties with the territory in 2022.
In parallel, Bogota has recognized Israel's annexation of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, a move that aligns Colombia with the foreign policy priorities of Israel and the United States. This decision was made on the same day a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 250 people. The Colombian foreign ministry stated that Israeli control of the Golan Heights is essential for Israel's security. Colombia is now one of only two countries, alongside the US, to recognize Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights, a move declared "null and void" by UN Security Council Resolution 497. The decisions have drawn condemnation from Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Palestine, and Oman.