The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has reiterated his commitment to strategic relations with Morocco. In his presentation of the regional government's Africa plan, he deliberately avoided addressing the Polisario or the Sahara issue. Amid internal tensions and diplomatic challenges, Clavijo is opting for a pragmatic approach. The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has emphasized the importance of «strategic relations with Morocco», according to the official website of the regional government. Clavijo made this statement on Monday, March 24, during the presentation of the region's Africa plan. This position contrasts with recent comments from some senior members of his own party, the Canary Coalition, who have raised concerns about potential security risks posed by Morocco to the Canary Islands. These concerns were particularly voiced by the spokesperson for the Canary Coalition in the regional parliament, in response to an oil agreement between Morocco and an Israeli company in the waters of Western Sahara. Cristina Valido, an MP from the Canary Coalition, also expressed similar worries in the Spanish Parliament following announcements of projects by Elon Musk in Western Sahara. Clavijo has faced criticism from the Polisario Front While Clavijo advocated for good relations with Morocco and nearby countries, he avoided mentioning Western Sahara or the Polisario Front during his presentation of the Africa strategy. Instead, he focused on neighboring African countries like Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia, which are recognized by the United Nations. This omission could anger the Polisario Front and its supporters in the Canary Islands. For context, Clavijo had previously expressed full support for Spain's stance on the Sahara issue after meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat on October 8, 2024. He reiterated his backing for the autonomy plan for the Sahara, which was endorsed by Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a letter to King Mohammed VI in March 2022. «The government of the Canary Islands fully supports the Spanish government's policy, as it could not be otherwise», Clavijo said in a press statement. «This has created a climate of trust and collaboration that we want to strengthen, as we agreed today with the minister». His comments were later criticized by the Polisario Front, which called the position «contrary to international law and the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union». In addition to Clavijo's call for stronger ties with Morocco, the presentation of the Canary Islands' Africa plan featured a video by Houda Benghazi, vice president of the Hispano-Moroccan Arbitration Court and director of the Moroccan Institute of Family Businesses. Since July 14, 2023, the Canary Coalition, with support from the People's Party, has led the regional government of the Canary Islands.
