Sahara Issue: Equatorial Guinea Backs Morocco’s Efforts, Welcomes Autonomy Initiative

Equatorial Guinea has reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting political solution to the Sahara issue, while deeming the autonomy initiative a “realistic and pragmatic solution” to this regional dispute. “It is important to welcome Morocco’s constant efforts and its commitment to promoting a constructive dialogue that leads to a just and lasting political solution that will allow sustainable and prosperous development in the Sahara,” said the representative of Equatorial Guinea before the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly. He noted that this commitment is reflected in the measures taken to promote socio-economic dynamics through the new development model for the southern provinces launched in 2015. This model has greatly contributed to the empowerment of the local population and the improvement of the human development index in the region, he pointed out. The diplomat also welcomed the Moroccan autonomy initiative which was deemed serious and credible in the various Security Council resolutions adopted since 2007, noting that this initiative, which is in accordance with international law, the United Nations Charter and the resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, represents a “realistic and pragmatic solution” to the regional dispute over the Sahara. He also highlighted the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Moroccan Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, aimed at relaunching the political process under the exclusive aegis of the Secretary-General and achieving a political, realistic, pragmatic and lasting solution to this conflict. The diplomat reiterated his country’s call for the resumption of the round table process, in the same format and with the same participants.