Rabat – France, the United Kingdom, Bahrain, and Liberia reaffirmed their support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan during a United Nations Security Council session on Friday.
The four countries voiced their positions during explanations of the vote following the Security Council’s decision not to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
France reiterated its longstanding position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. French Ambassador to the UN Jérôme Bonnafont said the present and future of the territory fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.
“The present and future of Western Sahara are within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” Bonnafont said.
He also reaffirmed France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as the “only basis” for negotiations aimed at reaching a definitive settlement to the regional dispute.
Bonnafont called for renewed discussions based exclusively on the Moroccan autonomy plan to achieve a just, lasting, and negotiated solution.
The United Kingdom also renewed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as the “most credible, viable and pragmatic” basis for a lasting resolution to the dispute.
UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Sarah MacIntosh said the Moroccan plan offers the most credible, viable, and pragmatic foundation for a durable settlement.
She urged Security Council members to approach the Sahara issue with a commitment to accelerating progress toward a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.
Bahrain reiterated its longstanding support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and its autonomy plan.
Bahraini Ambassador to the UN Jamal Fares reaffirmed his country’s position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Southern Provinces.
He described the Moroccan autonomy plan as a serious, realistic, and credible basis for reaching a definitive, lasting, and consensual political solution.
Fares said such a settlement would contribute to strengthening security and stability across the region.
Liberia also expressed firm support for Morocco’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty as a framework for resolving the regional dispute.
Liberian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Lewis Garseedah Brown II said his country supports Morocco’s autonomy plan.
“The passage of time cannot replace progress toward peace,” Brown said, calling for serious engagement and full cooperation to achieve a definitive solution based on Morocco’s autonomy plan.
Following the vote, Morocco’s Royal Cabinet described the decision as a significant step toward the definitive closure of the Sahara issue at the United Nations. It said the non-renewal means MINURSO’s presence in Morocco’s southern provinces, including its personnel, vehicles, and equipment, should end in the coming days.
The Royal Cabinet also said the 35-year UN political process was suspended and that similar measures would follow within other UN bodies.
