Morocco's autonomy plan for western Sahara gains Int´l acclaim as a path to peaceful resolution

Morocco's autonomy plan received widespread recognition and backing from all continents during the recent period prompting advancements in the long-standing political dispute surrounding Western Sahara, said an official press release.

December 2023, for instance, witnessed significant development and multiple reports published by regional and international media outlets shed light on the growing appreciation and support for Morocco's proposed solution to the conflict.

“The autonomy plan has emerged as a promising pathway towards achieving a peaceful resolution, garnering attention from numerous countries and stakeholders involved in the Western Sahara issue,” the press release said.

The plan, presented by Morocco to UN in 2007, aims to resolve the regional dispute over the Sahara by granting the region substantial autonomy while maintaining Morocco's sovereignty, and respecting the principle of self-determination. With a comprehensive 35-point program outlining the implementation of autonomy across administrative, judicial, economic, and security aspects, the plan demonstrates a well-defined approach to address the regional dispute. This detailed framework enhances the credibility and potential for success in achieving a mutually agreed-upon resolution.

The endorsement from influential nations serves as a resounding validation of the autonomy plan's credibility and its potential to pave the way for a mutually accepted resolution. This growing momentum further solidifies support for Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as exemplified by the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by 28 countries, which have, so far, established consular representations primarily in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that over two-thirds of United Nations member states lend their support to the autonomy-based solution. These nations hold the belief that Morocco's proposal aligns with international law and draws parallels with successful experiences in other regions of the world.

The United States and Spain, two key supporters of the autonomy plan, have reiterated their unwavering appreciation and endorsement of Morocco's initiative. The U.S. State Department, affirming its unchanged position, emphasized that Morocco's autonomy plan remains a serious, credible, and realistic approach to address the dispute. Spain, too, reaffirmed its position, considering the Moroccan autonomy plan as the most serious and credible basis for resolving the conflict. Joining the chorus of support, Germany commended Morocco's autonomy plan as a serious and credible effort, labeling it a good foundation for a solution accepted by the parties. Benin expressed its unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity and endorsed the Autonomy Initiative as the sole credible and realistic solution to the dispute.

Belgium, in alignment with its previous joint declaration, emphasized the autonomy plan's significance, recognizing it as a serious and credible effort by Morocco and a viable basis for a mutually agreed-upon resolution. Azerbaijan's Speaker of the National Assembly, Sahiba Gafarova, reiterated her country's unwavering support for Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Malawi's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, also reiterated her country's support for Morocco's territorial integrity and endorsed the Autonomy Initiative, considering it the only credible and realistic approach to resolve the dispute. The Golf countries and Yemen echoed similar sentiments, reiterating their support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara. Senegal, represented by National Assembly Speaker Amadou Mame Diop, reaffirmed its strong and unwavering support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

These statements of support further solidify Morocco's position and underscore the growing international recognition of the autonomy plan as a viable solution. The widespread backing from 17 European countries among which 14 EU members demonstrates the international community's recognition of Morocco's sincere efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.

The autonomy plan for the Sahara region, consistently acknowledged by the UN Security Council in its resolutions since 2007 as a credible, serious and realistic solution, is poised to gather even greater momentum in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability within the region. With mounting support for Morocco's autonomy plan, the international community and all parties involved must seize this opportune moment to engage in constructive dialogue and strive towards a mutually agreeable resolution that upholds regional stability, as well as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of independent states.

Morocco's unwavering commitment to seeking a peaceful political solution through the autonomy plan instills hope for a brighter future in the region, where the aspirations and interests of all parties can be harmoniously reconciled. It is imperative that countries still hesitant give the matter the careful consideration it deserves.