Morocco's engagement with UN on Sahara gains international support

A high-level Moroccan delegation is currently participating in the regional seminar of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) from May 21 to 23 in Dili, Timor-Leste. This event serves as a platform for the delegation to present recent developments regarding the Sahara issue to committee members and other attendees.

The delegation is expected to highlight the significant international backing for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara, which now boasts support from over 117 countries, with more than 60% being UN member states. This growing recognition underscores Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, bolstered by key allies such as the United States and France, both of whom hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council and play a crucial role in shaping resolutions pertaining to the region.

Leading the Moroccan delegation is Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, accompanied by Ridouane Houssaini, Morocco’s Ambassador to Indonesia. The team also comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vice-President of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS).

During the seminar, the delegation will also showcase substantial advancements achieved in the Moroccan southern provinces, under the auspices of a comprehensive development model initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2015. This initiative, with a budget exceeding $10 billion, has progressed significantly in its implementation.

Furthermore, the Moroccan delegation aims to underscore Algeria’s pivotal role in perpetuating the Sahara dispute. They will articulate Algeria's historical and political responsibilities, as recognized by several UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2756 adopted in October 2024.

Two elected representatives from the Moroccan southern provinces in Sahara are also present at the event. Ghella Bahiya from the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region and M’hamed Abba from the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region were invited by the Chair of the Committee to participate.

Morocco's stance on the Sahara continues to gain international traction, with an increasing number of countries endorsing the Moroccan autonomy plan as a viable resolution to the dispute, while affirming the nation’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.