Cote d’Ivoire Reaffirms Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Plan

Cote d’Ivoire endorses Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, praising its alignment with international law and its focus on empowering the Sahrawi population. The Ivorian representative to the UN emphasized the need for renewed negotiations and cooperation with the UN. Additionally, concerns over human rights in Tindouf camps were raised, calling for adherence to the ceasefire.

Cote d’Ivoire has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal regarding Western Sahara, emphasizing its compatibility with international law. At the UN Committee of 24 meeting, Tiemoko Moriko, Cote d’Ivoire’s permanent representative to the UN, stressed the plan’s unique approach, which aims to provide significant powers to the Sahrawi population.

This endorsement contributes to the growing international recognition, with over 107 UN member states endorsing Morocco’s proposal. Ambassador Moriko praised Morocco’s investments in the region, highlighting their positive impact on local communities and enhancement of the Human Development Index.

Moriko also noted Morocco’s progress on human rights, mentioning the establishment of commissions in Western Sahara and the nation’s collaboration with UN human rights bodies. He called for renewed roundtable discussions involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front to facilitate a comprehensive and realistic resolution to the conflict.

Moreover, the Ivorian diplomat stressed the importance of negotiations characterized by “realism, a spirit of compromise, and good faith,” reflecting UN Security Council recommendations. He welcomed the participation of democratically elected representatives from Western Sahara in these UN discussions and urged compliance with the ceasefire agreement and collaboration with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINURSO.

Cote d’Ivoire has expressed ongoing concern over the human rights conditions in the Polisario-administered Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria, calling for a population census in line with UNHCR recommendations and Security Council resolutions. This statement reinforces Cote d’Ivoire’s position alongside international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a viable path toward resolving the Western Sahara dispute.

Cote d’Ivoire’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s autonomy plan reflects a growing international consensus regarding the legitimacy of this proposal. By highlighting Morocco’s investments in human development and calling for renewed dialogue, Cote d’Ivoire underlines the necessity for a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict. The emphasis on human rights and collaboration with international bodies indicates the significance of a multidisciplinary approach to resolving ongoing concerns in the region.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com