The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire has once again voiced its unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative during the recent United Nations Committee of 24 (C24) regional seminar in Managua, Nicaragua.
The Ivorian delegation highlighted that this proposal, backed by more than 130 countries—including three permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—aligns with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The autonomy plan, endorsed by Resolution 2797 adopted in 2025, is designed to address the unique challenges of the Western Sahara region by empowering its inhabitants to participate actively in local and national governance, the delegation noted. This includes free and fair elections where residents choose their representatives, reflecting their democratic will.
In addition to political participation, the Ivorian representatives underscored Morocco’s economic strides in the southern provinces. Since the launch of the New Development Model in 2015, substantial investments have fueled infrastructure growth, job creation, and improved living standards. These efforts have notably boosted the region’s Human Development Index, demonstrating tangible progress.
The delegation also commended Morocco’s commitment to human rights, citing the establishment of regional commissions of the National Human Rights Council in Laâyoune and Dakhla. These bodies, along with cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, reinforce the protection of fundamental freedoms in the region.
By endorsing the autonomy initiative, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms its confidence in Morocco’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive resolution to the Western Sahara dispute. The plan’s emphasis on local governance and economic development positions it as a credible pathway toward lasting peace and stability in the region.