C24/Sahara: Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Support for Moroccan Autonomy Initiative

Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed, before the UN Committee of 24 (C-24), its support for the Moroccan Autonomy initiative, describing it as “realistic basis” for achieving a lasting settlement to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Speaking at the C-24 Regional Seminar held this week in Managua, Nicaragua, the representative of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation, Jerri-Anne Jeremy, emphasized that this Initiative, which is consistent with international law and the UN Charter, has been characterized as “serious and credible” in successive Security Council resolutions.

In this context, the speaker highlighted the growing international momentum in favor of the Moroccan Autonomy plan, reflecting, in her view, increased recognition of the pragmatic and forward-looking approach to resolve this long-standing regional dispute.

Furthermore, the diplomat reaffirmed her country’s support for the political process conducted under the exclusive auspices of the United Nations, aimed at reaching a “just, realistic, pragmatic, and lasting” political solution to this artificial conflict; in doing so, she reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly the peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

She also commended the ongoing efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy for the Moroccan Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to facilitate dialogue between the parties and advance the political process.

The speaker likewise expressed her country’s support for the roundtable framework involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the “polisario,” emphasizing that a negotiated solution can only emerge through sustained engagement, in a spirit of realism and compromise, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.

Furthermore, the delegation of Antigua and Barbuda highlighted the investments and socio-economic development projects undertaken in the Southern Provinces within the framework of the New Development Model launched in 2015, underscoring their positive impact on infrastructure, renewable energy, employment, and human development indicators.

Moreover, the delegation commended Morocco’s continued cooperation with MINURSO and called upon all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid any escalation liable to jeopardize regional stability, particularly in light of the security context in the Sahel.

Finally, Antigua and Barbuda called upon all parties to maintain their constructive engagement under the exclusive auspices of the United Nations in order to achieve a sustainable political solution that fosters peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region.