Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms steadfast backing for Morocco’s Sahara autonomy plan

Côte d’Ivoire has once again affirmed its complete support for the autonomy initiative put forth by Morocco, designed to definitively resolve the regional dispute concerning the Moroccan Sahara. This endorsement was delivered at the recent regional seminar of the United Nations Committee of 24 (C24).

During the seminar, which convened in Managua, Nicaragua, the Ivorian delegation underscored that this significant initiative enjoys the backing of approximately 130 nations, including three permanent members of the Security Council. They emphasized that the proposal aligns perfectly with international law, the UN Charter, and all pertinent United Nations resolutions.

The initiative’s relevance, further solidified by Security Council Resolution 2797 adopted in 2025, commendably addresses the unique characteristics of the Moroccan Sahara. It actively empowers the region’s inhabitants, providing them with the opportunity to play a direct role in managing the political and socio-economic affairs of their home, as highlighted by the delegation.

From a political standpoint, the local populations freely elect their representatives at both local and national levels through regular democratic elections held across the Kingdom. The Ivorian delegation specifically commended the participation of elected officials from the Moroccan Sahara, who emerged from these very polls, in the C24 proceedings.

Economically, the Ivorian representatives observed that residents of the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces are directly benefiting from the substantial investments made under the New Development Model, launched in 2015. These transformative achievements have demonstrably elevated the inhabitants’ quality of life and significantly improved the Human Development Index within the Moroccan Sahara.

Furthermore, Côte d’Ivoire acknowledged Morocco’s diligent efforts in advancing and safeguarding human rights. This includes strengthening the regional commissions of the National Human Rights Council in Laâyoune and Dakhla, alongside robust cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Commending the Kingdom’s