Burkina Faso Deems Autonomy Plan as ‘the Solution’ to Regional Dispute over Moroccan Sahara

 Burkina Faso reaffirmed, in New York, its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, which “undoubtedly constitutes the solution” to the regional dispute over the Sahara. “My country reaffirms its support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative. This initiative, which is in accordance with international law, the UN charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions, undoubtedly constitutes the solution to this dispute,” the representative of Burkina Faso stressed Monday before the members of the Fourth committee of the UN General Assembly. He also reiterated his country’s support for the ongoing political process led under the aegis of the UN Secretary-General and aimed at achieving a mutually acceptable solution, as recommended by the 17 Security Council resolutions adopted since 2007. The diplomat welcomed, in this regard, the dialogue initiatives undertaken by the Personal Envoy of the UN Chief, Staffan de Mistura, as well as his recent visit to Morocco’s southern provinces. He also lauded the effective opening of nearly 30 consulates general in the cities of Laâyoune and Dakhla with the aim of strengthening the economic and social opportunities offered by this region as a hub of development, stability and influence in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and African regions. “As part of strengthening its cooperation with Morocco, Burkina Faso has opened a consulate general in Dakhla since October 2020,” he recalled. Referring to the socio-economic dynamics in the southern provinces, the diplomat underlined that his country welcomes Morocco’s pragmatism through the investments made in favor of the populations in the Sahara, as part of the new development model launched in 2015. “These investments have a lasting and positive impact on the quality of life of populations,” he concluded.