Côte d’Ivoire has once again expressed its unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative concerning the Moroccan Sahara. This reaffirmation came during its participation in the United Nations Committee of 24 (C24) regional seminar, emphasizing the plan’s potential to definitively resolve the longstanding regional dispute.
Speaking at the recent seminar held in Managua, Nicaragua, the Ivorian delegation highlighted that this Initiative garners support from approximately 130 nations, including three permanent members of the Security Council. They underscored its alignment with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The initiative’s relevance was further solidified by Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in 2025. This resolution acknowledges the plan’s merit in addressing the unique characteristics of the Moroccan Sahara, offering its inhabitants a significant opportunity to actively participate in the political and socio-economic governance of their region.
Politically, the Ivorian representatives observed that the local and national populations freely elect their representatives through regular democratic elections held across the Kingdom. They also commended the participation of elected officials from the Moroccan Sahara, chosen through these ballots, in the C24 proceedings.
Economically, the Ivorian delegation noted that residents in the Kingdom’s southern provinces are reaping the benefits of substantial investments made under the New Development Model, initiated in 2015. These achievements, they highlighted, have considerably elevated the living standards of the populace and enhanced the Human Development Index within the Moroccan Sahara.
Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire acknowledged Morocco’s dedicated efforts in promoting and safeguarding human rights. This includes strengthening the regional commissions of the National Human Rights Council in Laâyoune and Dakhla, alongside ongoing cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
While commending the Kingdom’s extensive efforts to achieve a compromise solution to this regional dispute, Côte d’Ivoire emphasized that Morocco’s commendable actions underscore the credibility of its broad autonomy initiative. This plan grants significant and extensive prerogatives to the inhabitants of the Moroccan Sahara.
