Mali has announced its support for Morocco's position on Western Sahara (a disputed territory on Africa's northwest coast that Morocco controls largely but whose sovereignty remains contested under UN processes), marking a significant shift in the country's longstanding stance on the conflict. The move represents an unexpected diplomatic realignment for the Sahel nation, which has historically maintained a more neutral or opposing position on the issue. The reversal could strengthen Morocco's efforts to build African support for its autonomy plan for the territory as an alternative to full independence.