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Senegal Solidifies Backing for Morocco's Autonomy Plan in Sahara

Friday 14 June 2024 - 13:25

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In a resounding affirmation, Senegal has reiterated its unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Sahara. This renewed endorsement came during the recent session 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 in New York from June 10 to 21.

Addressing the gathering, Diamane Diome, Senegal's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered a resolute statement underscoring his country's consistent stance. "Senegal would like to reaffirm its constant support for the Moroccan Autonomy initiative, which the Security Council has described as serious and credible in its successive resolutions since 2007," he declared.

Diome's remarks highlighted the growing international recognition of Morocco's Autonomy Plan, with over 100 UN member states now acknowledging the initiative as a viable and credible solution to resolve the long-standing dispute. This endorsement underscores the global community's confidence in the plan's potential to pave the way for a lasting resolution.

Furthermore, the Senegalese diplomat lauded Morocco's remarkable achievements in upholding human rights, specifically commending the pivotal role played by the National Human Rights Council Commissions in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune. He also drew attention to the development projects undertaken in the southern provinces, emphasizing their contribution to empowering local populations and enhancing the region's human development index.

Senegal's steadfast support for Morocco's territorial integrity extended beyond the Autonomy Plan. Diome applauded Morocco's adherence to the ceasefire agreement and its cooperation with the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Sahara (MINURSO). Simultaneously, he urged all parties involved in the dispute to engage constructively and collaborate to address the rights of Sahrawis residing in the Tindouf camps.

The plight of Sahrawis in the Algerian-controlled Tindouf camps, run by the Polisario Front separatist group, has been a subject of grave concern. Faced with dire living conditions, many Sahrawis have resorted to illegal activities such as gold mining, leading to tragic consequences. Recent reports indicate that between 12 and 13 Sahrawis, predominantly minors, have been killed by the Algerian regime's forces in response to their involvement in these activities. One of the latest incidents occurred in May, when three Sahrawis were lynched near the camps.

Oualid Kebir, an Algerian political analyst, expressed his dismay at the alarming situation, highlighting the significant number of fatalities among the camp residents engaged in gold mining. Kebir denounced the absence of legal action or investigations to address these atrocities, underscoring the urgency for intervention and accountability.

As the international community grapples with finding a lasting solution to the Sahara conflict, Senegal's unwavering support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan stands as a beacon of hope. By endorsing this credible initiative and advocating for the rights of Sahrawis, Senegal has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.