Equatorial Guinea has reaffirmed its full support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for the Sahara before the United Nations Fourth Committee. Considered serious and credible, this initiative is, according to the Equatorial Guinean authorities, a realistic path towards a lasting political solution, respecting the Kingdom’s sovereignty and regional stability. This support illustrates the growing momentum of a continental dynamic in favor of stability and regional integration regarding this sensitive issue.
The Moroccan autonomy initiative for the Sahara, presented in 2007, gains more international support each year. During the proceedings of the Fourth Committee of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, several African and Arab countries, including Togo, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, praised a proposal they described as credible, realistic, and pragmatic. Equatorial Guinea also reaffirmed its support, commending a serious proposal recognized by the Security Council, which aims to guarantee the rights of local populations while strengthening regional stability.
“The initiative presented by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2007 constitutes a serious and credible proposal, as recognized by the Security Council in its various relevant resolutions. This initiative offers us a solution to empower the local population, guarantee its rights, encourage its active participation in managing its internal affairs, while contributing to the stability of the region.”
On the ground, Moroccan sovereignty is tangibly embodied in Laayoune and Dakhla through sustained economic development, modern infrastructure, and notable social dynamism. The Kingdom has heavily invested in major projects, such as the Dakhla Atlantic Port, the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway, and solar and wind power plants. Since the launch in 2015 of the new development model under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the region has progressively transformed into a major economic and social hub, contributing to regional stability.
“As every year, the issue of the Moroccan Sahara has sparked intense debate in recent days. We welcome the renewed support from the increasingly broad majority of delegations in favor of the autonomy solution under Moroccan sovereignty.”
International recognition of the Moroccan plan is also illustrated by the opening of consulates in the cities of the Sahara by several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire. Diplomatic statements, such as the Malabo declaration adopted by the CEMAC Parliament, confirm the continent’s growing endorsement of an African, peaceful, and lasting solution to the Sahara issue.