Papua New Guinea Endorses Morocco's Autonomy Initiative for Sahara Dispute

In a recent address at the regular session of the UN Committee of 24, Papua New Guinea's representative, Andrew Dopeke, voiced his country's unwavering support for Morocco's autonomy initiative as a viable solution to the long-standing regional dispute over the Sahara. With a touch of diplomatic flair and a formal tone, Dopeke's remarks underscored the initiative's credibility and its alignment with the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions.

Dopeke's endorsement echoed the sentiments of over 100 countries that have supported Morocco's autonomy plan, recognizing it as a "credible and compromise-based foundation to achieve a peaceful solution to this artificial conflict." His remarks highlighted the plan's alignment with the principles of the United Nations and its potential to resolve the protracted dispute through a negotiated and mutually acceptable political solution.

The Papuan diplomat commended Morocco's full respect for the ceasefire and its cooperation with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Sahara (MINURSO), urging other involved parties to follow suit. He also praised the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in facilitating the UN-led political process.

Dopeke's address extended beyond the political realm, acknowledging Morocco's significant investments in infrastructure development in the southern provinces, which have improved living conditions for the local population. This progress has encouraged numerous countries and regional organizations to open consulates in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, further solidifying Morocco's presence in the region.

Moreover, the Papuan representative lauded Morocco's efforts in promoting human rights in the region while expressing concern over the human rights situation in the Tindouf camps, particularly the violations affecting women and children. He called upon the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to be granted access to register and conduct a census of the populations residing in these camps in southwestern Algeria.

The bilateral relations between Morocco and Papua New Guinea extend beyond diplomatic support, as evidenced by the signing of several cooperation agreements during the 3rd Morocco-Pacific Island States Forum held in Laayoune in 2020. These agreements aimed to strengthen partnerships in various sectors, promote shared prosperity, and unify efforts towards common goals, further cementing the ties between the two nations.

As the international community continues to grapple with the Sahara dispute, Papua New Guinea's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy initiative adds weight to the ongoing efforts to find a lasting and peaceful resolution to this long-standing regional conflict.