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Politics

Sierra Leone Backs Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Sahara at UN General Assembly

Wednesday 16 - 09:20

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Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its support for Morocco's autonomy initiative as a solution to the long-standing Sahara dispute. The announcement came during a meeting of the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Ambassador Amara Sowa, Sierra Leone's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized his country's endorsement of the autonomy plan, which the UN Security Council has consistently described as "serious and credible" in its resolutions since 2007.

Sowa praised the ongoing socio-economic and infrastructural development in Morocco's southern provinces, noting that these efforts have empowered local populations and improved the region's human development index.

The diplomat also expressed Sierra Leone's unwavering support for the political process led by the UN Secretary-General, facilitated by his Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara, Staffan de Mistura. This process aims to achieve a realistic, pragmatic, and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise.

Sierra Leone advocated for the resumption of roundtable discussions in the same format and with the same participants, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2703. Ambassador Sowa believes this process will enhance communication and lead to a peaceful resolution of the regional dispute.

The ambassador commended the role of the Regional Commissions of the National Human Rights Council in Laayoune and Dakhla, as well as Morocco's interaction with the UN Human Rights Council's special procedures. He also expressed support for MINURSO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the region, highlighting its importance in maintaining stability and monitoring the ceasefire.

Sowa called for respect of the ceasefire agreement, warning that any abandonment of this accord would violate Security Council resolutions and hinder the political process. He concluded by urging all parties to engage in good faith and with a spirit of compromise in the UN-led political process.

This development underscores the complex dynamics of the Sahara issue and highlights the international community's ongoing efforts to find a lasting solution to the dispute.