Growing Global Endorsement for Morocco's Autonomy Plan in Sahara

In a remarkable display of international solidarity, numerous nations have recently reaffirmed their unwavering support for Morocco's stance on the Sahara issue, particularly endorsing the viability of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a viable solution to resolve the long-standing dispute.

At the regular sessions of the United Nations Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (C-24), held from June 10-11, several countries took the opportunity to echo their backing for Morocco's territorial integrity.

Among these nations, Guatemala and Burundi stood out, with their representatives expressing their resounding endorsement of Morocco's position. Carla Maria Rodriguez, Guatemala's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated unequivocally, "My country considers that the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 constitutes a realistic, credible, and serious basis for achieving a negotiated solution between the parties, within the framework of respect for the Kingdom's territorial integrity and national sovereignty."

Rodriguez further underscored the significance of Morocco's efforts in seeking a just and lasting political solution to the regional dispute, commending the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General and his envoy for Sahara in facilitating the revival of the political process.

Echoing this sentiment, the Republic of Guinea reiterated its support for Morocco's autonomy initiative, hailing it as the "compromise" solution to end the dispute. Paul Goa Zoumanigui, Guinea's Permanent Representative to the UN, remarked, "This initiative complies with the principles and rules of international law, the UN Charter, and UN resolutions, aiming to find a favorable resolution to this long-standing regional dispute."

Burundi, too, echoed a similar position, with its representative at the UN welcoming the opening of general consulates by Arab, American, and Asian countries, as well as regional organizations, in the southern Moroccan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, a move widely regarded as a symbolic affirmation of Morocco's sovereignty over the region.

The chorus of support resonated across the globe, with Antigua and Barbuda, Senegal, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries joining the ranks of nations reiterating their backing for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Sahara.

This growing global endorsement for Morocco's Autonomy Plan underscores the international community's recognition of the plan's viability as a pragmatic and credible solution to a protracted regional dispute. As the diplomatic momentum continues to build, Morocco's unwavering commitment to resolving the Sahara issue through peaceful means and dialogue remains steadfast, paving the way for a just and lasting resolution.