Cote d’Ivoire Affirms Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara

Cote d’Ivoire has publicly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, with its UN representative highlighting the plan’s alignment with international law and its benefits for the Sahrawi population. This endorsement adds to the extensive international support for Morocco’s proposal, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation among involved parties to reach a lasting solution.

Rabat – Cote d’Ivoire has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan regarding Western Sahara, emphasizing its consistency with international law and Morocco’s dedication to peaceful conflict resolution. During a UN Committee of 24 meeting, Tiemoko Moriko, Cote d’Ivoire’s permanent representative to the UN, highlighted the plan’s provisions for significant autonomy granted to the Sahrawi people, declaring it a “credible, relevant, and unique” response to the ongoing dispute.

This endorsement contributes to the growing number of over 107 UN member states that have expressed support for Morocco’s proposal. Ambassador Moriko lauded Morocco’s substantial investments in the region, which he stated have strengthened local communities and enhanced the Human Development Index. He also recognized Morocco’s progress in human rights, including the establishment of human rights commissions in Western Sahara and collaborations with UN human rights organizations.

Moriko called for the continuation of roundtable discussions that previously involved Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front in 2018 and 2019, which were viewed as constructive. He believes that these dialogues should persist under the same framework and participants, stressing that all involved must exhibit “realism, a spirit of compromise, and good faith” in pursuit of a sustainable resolution, consistent with UN Security Council recommendations.

Furthermore, the Ivorian representative expressed approval for the participation of democratically elected Western Sahara representatives in the UN Committee of 24 proceedings. He urged all parties to honor the ceasefire and collaborate with the UN peacekeeping mission (MINURSO). Moriko pointed out that the human rights conditions in the Polisario-administered refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, warrant attention, advocating for a population census as recommended by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and pertinent Security Council resolutions.

Through this declaration, Cote d’Ivoire signifies its commitment to the growing international endorsement for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most viable approach to resolving the longstanding Sahara dispute.

Cote d’Ivoire’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s autonomy plan underscores a broader international consensus favoring a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. The emphasis on significant local autonomy, economic investment, and human rights advancements demonstrates a commitment to improving the situation in the region. By advocating for further dialogue and cooperation among key stakeholders, Cote d’Ivoire stresses the importance of finding a realistic and sustainable solution to this protracted issue.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com