Djibouti: Morocco’s Autonomy Plan ‘Excellent Basis’ for Solution in Sahara

Rabat – Djibouti joined a wide array of countries in support of Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara region at Wednesday’s UN Committee of 24 meeting.

The Djibouti representative announced the East African country’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, citing the “serious and credible” efforts that Morocco has made regarding the region.

“This initiative, which is in accordance with the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly, constitutes an excellent basis for discussion to reach a negotiated solution of this dispute ,” added the representative in front of the multinational delegation.

Djibouti has maintained its support for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity since February 2020 when it opened its consulate general in the southern city of Dakhla.

In his statement to the C-24, the Djiboutian diplomat stated the consulate general serves to strengthen the relations and cooperation between the two countries. The East African country is joined by eight other countries that have established consulate generals in Dakhla including the US, Liberia, Gambia, and other African nations.

In addition, 12 countries have built consulate generals in the southern city of Laayoune, showing the ever-growing international support for Morocco’s sovereignty in the region.

However, Morocco has been making political progress regarding the Western Sahara dossier for decades as it has worked closely with the UN Security Council to ensure stability in the region. After the Guerguerat border standoff in October 2020, the UN lauded Morocco’s restraint in lifting a Polisario border blockade without any casualties or injuries.

The representative of Djibouti ended his statement by commending Morocco’s “efforts to have launched its Anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign very early on throughout its territory, including and more particularly in the Sahara.”

Seven other countries supported Morocco’s position in Western Sahara including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Dominica, Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and the UAE.