BAMAKO, April 10 (Reuters) – Mali supports Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said on Friday, becoming the latest African country to endorse Rabat’s plan to end the 50-year conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
Morocco’s autonomy proposal would establish a local legislative, executive and judicial authority for Western Sahara elected by its residents, while Rabat would retain jurisdiction over defence, foreign affairs and religious matters.
The Polisario instead wants to hold a referendum with independence as an option.
(Reporting by Mali newsroom;Editing by Alison Williams)
