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Rabat – Cote d’Ivoire has once again thrown its weight behind Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, highlighting its alignment with international law and praising Morocco’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
Tiemoko Moriko, Cote d’Ivoire’s permanent representative to the UN, reaffirmed his country’s support of Moroccan territorial integrity during the UN Committee of 24 meeting. He emphasized the plan’s focus on “significant and multiple prerogatives” being transferred to the Sahrawi population, making it a “credible, relevant, and unique” solution.
This endorsement adds to the over 107 UN member states backing the Moroccan proposal. Ambassador Moriko further commended Morocco’s substantial investments in the region, which he said have empowered local populations and improved the Human Development Index.
His remarks also acknowledged Morocco’s human rights strides, including the strengthening of human rights commissions in Western Sahara and cooperation with UN human rights bodies.
The Ivorian diplomat urged the resumption of roundtable talks involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front. These talks, held in 2018 and 2019, were seen as a positive step, and Moriko believes they should continue “in the same format and with the same participants.”
He emphasized the importance of all parties demonstrating “realism, a spirit of compromise, and good faith” to achieve a lasting solution, echoing the recommendations of the UN Security Council.
Moriko also welcomed the inclusion of democratically elected representatives from Western Sahara in the UN Committee of 24 discussions. He additionally called for all stakeholders to adhere to the ceasefire and cooperate with the UN peacekeeping mission (MINURSO).
The human rights situation in the Polisario-administered Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria remains a concern for Cote d’Ivoire. Moriko echoed calls for a population census, following recommendations by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and relevant Security Council resolutions.
With this statement, Cote d’Ivoire adds to the growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most viable framework for reaching a lasting and realistic solution to the lingering Sahara dispute.
