Rabat — Côte d’Ivoire has reaffirmed its firm support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most credible basis for resolving the long-standing regional dispute over the Sahara, during a regional seminar of the United Nations Committee of 24 (C24) held in Managua, Nicaragua.
The Ivorian delegation stressed that the Moroccan proposal enjoys broad international backing, including support from around 130 countries and members of the UN Security Council. It described the plan as consistent with international law, the United Nations Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The delegation highlighted that the autonomy plan has gained further recognition following UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted in October 2025, which underscores its relevance as a framework for a lasting political solution.
Côte d’Ivoire emphasized that the plan takes into account the specific realities of the region by allowing local populations to actively participate in political, economic, and social governance. It noted that residents of the Sahara take part in regular democratic elections at both local and national levels, and welcomed the participation of elected representatives from the region in C24 discussions.
On the economic front, the delegation pointed to major development projects implemented under Morocco’s New Development Model launched in 2015, saying these investments have significantly improved living conditions and human development indicators in the southern provinces.
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It also acknowledged Morocco’s efforts in promoting human rights, citing the strengthened role of regional offices of the National Human Rights Council in Laayoune and Dakhla, as well as cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Côte d’Ivoire further recalled its decision to open a Consulate General in Dakhla, describing it as a reflection of its commitment to supporting economic and social development in the region.
Expressing concern over reported human rights conditions in the Tindouf camps, the delegation called for the registration and census of the populations there, in line with international standards.
Reaffirming its position, Côte d’Ivoire stressed that the United Nations remains the exclusive framework for reaching a political solution to the dispute, while praising the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.
Resolution 2797 has consolidates the UN-led political process based on Morocco’s autonomy plan, the delegation stressed, urging all parties to show realism, compromise, and goodwill in order to achieve a durable and mutually acceptable solution.
