Rabat – Comoros and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have once again expressed strong support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only realistic solution to end the regional dispute over the Western Sahara. The two countries voiced their positions on Tuesday during discussions at the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Lasana Andrews, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, reaffirmed her country’s “recognition of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the only solution” to the regional dispute.
She urged all parties to continue engaging in the UN-led political process “based on dialogue, compromise, and respect for international law” with the aim of reaching a peaceful and lasting settlement. Andrews also welcomed the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to revive the political process.
In a separate statement, Comoros’ Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ismael Chanfi, reiterated his country’s “unreserved support” for Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Initiative. He described it as “a realistic, consensual, and credible solution” that respects international standards in devolving powers to local populations.
Ambassador Chanfi stated that the Autonomy Plan aligns with “international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.” He also noted the growing international support for the Moroccan initiative.
The Comorian diplomat commended Morocco’s efforts to promote development in its southern provinces through the New Development Model for the Sahara, launched in 2015. He said this initiative has helped improve living conditions, strengthen infrastructure, and boost renewable energy, education, and local governance in the region.
Chanfi also spoke about Morocco’s commitment to human rights through the work of the National Human Rights Council’s regional commissions in Laayoune and Dakhla, as well as the country’s cooperation with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He recalled that this progress has been repeatedly recognized by the UN Security Council.
He further noted that elected representatives from the Sahara have actively participated for years in UN regional seminars and roundtable meetings, showing their democratic legitimacy and engagement in the political process.
Chanfi concluded that resolving the Sahara issue will “strengthen regional cooperation and stability” in North Africa and the Sahel.
In recent months, Morocco has continued to gain strong and growing international backing for its Autonomy Plan, as the most credible and realistic basis for resolving the Sahara conflict.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain have reaffirmed their firm support for Morocco’s territorial integrity. African Nations including Gabon, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Malawi have also renewed their endorsements, with many opening consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla to demonstrate their recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.
At the United Nations, Morocco continues to maintain its commitment to the political process led by the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, while calling for the participation of all parties, particularly Algeria, in roundtable talks to reach a lasting solution.
The Moroccan government has also reiterated that the Autonomy Plan, presented in 2007, remains the “one and only” foundation for a final settlement, emphasizing that it ensures regional stability, promotes development, and guarantees the rights and participation of local populations in managing their own affairs.
