Ivory Coast has once again voiced its unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative, presented as a definitive solution to the longstanding regional dispute over Western Sahara. The commitment was reaffirmed during a recent regional seminar of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C24), held in Managua, Nicaragua.
During the event, the Ivorian delegation emphasized that this initiative, already endorsed by nearly 130 countries—including three permanent members of the UN Security Council—aligns perfectly with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant resolutions adopted by the international community.
The delegation highlighted that the initiative’s relevance was underscored by UN Security Council Resolution 2797, passed in 2025, which acknowledges the unique context of Western Sahara. It offers its inhabitants the opportunity to play an active role in shaping both the political and socio-economic landscape of the region, they noted.
On the political front, residents of Western Sahara freely elect their local and national representatives through regular democratic elections held across the Kingdom. The delegation praised the participation of elected officials from Western Sahara in the C24 discussions, recognizing their direct involvement as a testament to the initiative’s inclusivity.
Economically, the Ivorian representatives pointed out that the southern provinces of Morocco have reaped the benefits of substantial investments launched under the 2015 New Development Model. These initiatives have not only elevated living standards but also significantly improved the Human Development Index in the region, they observed.
The delegation also commended Morocco’s dedicated efforts to promote and protect human rights, citing the strengthening of regional commissions under the National Human Rights Council in Laâyoune and Dakhla, alongside collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
While lauding Morocco’s countless efforts to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution to the regional dispute, Ivory Coast reiterated that these tangible actions reinforce the credibility of the autonomy initiative. This plan grants Western Sahara’s inhabitants significant and meaningful prerogatives, they concluded.
