“My delegation reiterates its constant support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, which has been recognized by the United Nations as serious and credible and enjoys broad international support,” stated Diamane Diome, Senegal’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN.
He emphasized that the initiative is strengthened, on one hand, by Morocco’s significant achievements in human rights, notably through the regional commissions of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) in Dakhla and Laâyoune, both commended by the UN Security Council.
On the other hand, he highlighted Morocco’s investments and development projects implemented under the new development model for the Southern Provinces, aimed at promoting sustainable growth, environmental protection, and local culture. These initiatives, he said, have contributed to empowering local populations and improving the region’s Human Development Index.
According to the Senegalese diplomat, the Moroccan Autonomy Plan is further supported by an improved business climate and by the growing openness of the Southern Provinces to Africa and the rest of the world, notably through the establishment of consulates, including Senegal’s own Consulate General inaugurated in Dakhla in 2021.
Mr. Diome also commended Morocco’s full respect for the ceasefire and its continued cooperation with MINURSO.
He called for stronger collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to better uphold the fundamental rights of the populations in the Tindouf camps, including their freedom of expression and association, access to international humanitarian aid, and registration in accordance with international humanitarian law, the UNHCR’s mandate, and the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General.
The Senegalese representative further urged the resumption of the political process under the exclusive auspices of the United Nations, inviting all main parties to show greater commitment toward reviving the roundtable talks in order to achieve a realistic and lasting political solution.
He concluded by reaffirming Senegal’s full support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Southern Provinces.
Editorial team/le7tv