Gambia reaffirms its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative and territorial integrity

Before the members of the United Nations Committee of 24, The Gambia reiterated its “firm support” for the national sovereignty of Morocco and its territorial integrity, as well as for the autonomy initiative as a definitive, serious and consensus on the regional conflict concerning the Moroccan Sahara.
At the regional conference of the Committee of 24 for the Caribbean region (May 14-16 in Caracas, Venezuela), Gambia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lamin Dibba, declared that his country “reaffirms its “firm support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, which constitutes a consensual, serious and feasible solution to resolve this regional conflict.”
He stressed that the autonomy initiative, which enjoys notable international support, would contribute to the security and stability of the region, particularly because the Sahel region faces unprecedented security challenges.
He considered that the autonomy plan, described as serious and credible by the United Nations Security Council, complies with the requirements of international law.
In this context, the diplomat praised Morocco’s “constructive and cooperative” approach, as well as its commitment to reaching a solution to this regional conflict concerning the Moroccan Sahara as part of the ongoing process under the auspices of the United Nations.
Mr Dibba urged other actors to adopt a constructive stance in order to move the political process towards a consensual solution.
The diplomat praised the efforts of the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for the Moroccan Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, aimed at injecting new dynamics into the ongoing process under the exclusive supervision of the United Nations to achieve a peaceful solution , lasting and acceptable to all to this artificial conflict, calling on all parties to continue to participate in the round tables and to work to find a practical and realistic solution to this regional conflict.
The Gambian ambassador also highlighted the role of the two regional commissions of the National Human Rights Council in Dakhla and Laâyoune, as well as Morocco’s comprehensive cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. and the special procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Furthermore, he welcomed the dynamics of socio-economic development experienced by the southern provinces, thanks to the new development model launched in 2015, stressing that this approach highlights Morocco’s long-term commitment to peace. and development in the region. He stressed that “this initiative undoubtedly offers many opportunities for economic growth by improving the living conditions of the region’s residents.”
On this occasion, the Gambian diplomat welcomed the participation of the democratically elected representatives of the Moroccan Sahara in the work of this regional conference.