The Côte d’Ivoire has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a definitive solution to the long-standing regional dispute over Western Sahara.

During a recent regional seminar of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C24) held in Managua, Nicaragua, the Ivorian delegation emphasized that the Moroccan initiative enjoys broad international backing, with approximately 130 countries—including three permanent members of the UN Security Council—endorsing its alignment with international law and the UN Charter.

Highlighted as a cornerstone of Resolution 2797, adopted by the UN Security Council in 2025, the Autonomy Plan is praised for its recognition of Western Sahara’s unique circumstances. It empowers local populations to play an active role in shaping the region’s political and socio-economic landscape, the delegation noted.

Politically, residents of the region exercise their democratic rights by electing local and national representatives in regularly organized elections across Morocco. This participation was underscored as a testament to the plan’s inclusivity, with elected officials from Western Sahara actively contributing to the C24 discussions.

Economically, the delegation pointed to the tangible benefits of Morocco’s New Development Model, launched in 2015. Massive investments in the southern provinces have not only elevated living standards but also significantly improved the Human Development Index in the region, they observed.

Human rights progress was another key highlight, with the Ivorian delegation commending Morocco’s efforts to strengthen the regional branches of the National Human Rights Council in Laâyoune and Dakhla. The country’s collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was also noted as a positive step forward.

The Côte d’Ivoire concluded by lauding Morocco’s relentless pursuit of a mutually agreeable resolution. These measurable advancements, they argued, underscore the credibility of the Autonomy Plan, which grants Western Sahara’s inhabitants meaningful autonomy and self-governance.