Cote d’Ivoire has expressed strong support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara during a UN meeting, stressing its compliance with international law and the empowerment of the Sahrawi people. Ambassador Moriko urged the resumption of negotiations and highlighted Morocco’s investments and human rights progress, while raising concerns about conditions in Tindouf camps. The endorsement contributes to a wider international consensus on the proposal’s viability for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.
Cote d’Ivoire has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara during a recent UN Committee of 24 meeting, emphasizing its compliance with international law. Tiemoko Moriko, the Ivorian permanent representative to the UN, highlighted the proposal’s potential to grant significant powers to the Sahrawi people, calling it a ‘credible, relevant, and unique’ solution.
This endorsement adds to a growing list of over 107 UN member states that advocate for the Moroccan plan. Ambassador Moriko acknowledged Morocco’s investments in the region, which he stated have fostered local empowerment and enhanced the Human Development Index, while also commending the country’s progress on human rights issues within Western Sahara.
Moriko urged for the resumption of roundtable discussions among Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front, which were previously conducted in 2018 and 2019. He stressed the necessity for the involved parties to adopt a realistic approach and display a spirit of compromise to forge a sustainable agreement, aligning with UN Security Council recommendations.
He also welcomed the participation of democratically elected representatives from Western Sahara in UN Committee of 24 proceedings, while advocating for cooperation with the ceasefire and the UN peacekeeping mission (MINURSO). The human rights situation in the Polisario-administered Tindouf camps in Algeria has raised concerns for Cote d’Ivoire, prompting calls for a population census in line with UNHCR guidelines.
This statement from Cote d’Ivoire further solidifies international backing for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a viable path towards a durable resolution of the long-standing Western Sahara conflict.
Cote d’Ivoire’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan underscores its significance in the international discourse surrounding the Western Sahara issue. The call for renewed negotiations, respect for human rights, and adherence to established ceasefire agreements signifies a collective effort towards a peaceful resolution. As support from various nations continues to grow, Morocco’s proposal is positioned as a credible framework for lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
