C24/Sahara: Senegal Reiterates Its Steadfast Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative

“I wish to reaffirm my country’s steadfast support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, which the Security Council has described as serious and credible in its successive resolutions since 2007,” stated Senegal’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Diamane Diome, during the ordinary session of the Committee of 24 (C24) held in New York.  

Ambassador Diome emphasized that this initiative, backed by over 118 states—including three permanent members of the Security Council—is reinforced by Morocco’s substantial human rights achievements. He specifically highlighted the role of the regional commissions of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) in Dakhla and Laâyoune, which have been commended by the Security Council.  

On the other hand, the diplomat noted that Morocco’s autonomy proposal is further strengthened by the Kingdom’s extensive investments and development projects in the Southern Provinces under its new development model. These initiatives aim to advance sustainable development, environmental protection, and the promotion of local culture, thereby empowering local populations and improving the region’s Human Development Index (HDI).  

Diome also praised Morocco’s full compliance with the ceasefire and its consistent cooperation with the MINURSO, while urging other parties to return to the ceasefire in line with Security Council Resolution 2756.  

Furthermore, he called for enhanced collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to safeguard the fundamental rights of populations in the Tindouf camps. This includes ensuring their freedom of expression and association, access to designated international humanitarian aid, and proper registration in accordance with international humanitarian law, UNHCR mandates, and recommendations of the UN Secretary-General.  

The Senegalese representative also acknowledged the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara to revitalize the political process under the exclusive auspices of the United Nations. He urged key stakeholders in the regional dispute to demonstrate greater commitment to resuming roundtable talks, with the goal of achieving a realistic and lasting political solution.  

In closing, Ambassador Diome reiterated Senegal’s full support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Southern Provinces. He recalled Senegal’s opening of a General Consulate in Dakhla on April 5, 2021, as a tangible reflection of this stance.