Dili: Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Omar Hilale, highlighted at the UN Committee of 24 for the Pacific (C24) seminar that the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative is the political and institutional foundation of the ongoing development dynamics in the Moroccan Sahara. The seminar took place from May 21 to 23 in Dili, Timor-Leste. Hilale emphasized that this initiative, presented by Morocco in 2007, aims to resolve the regional dispute, ensuring the democratic management of local affairs for the Saharan populations while respecting their culture, identity, and aspirations.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Hilale explained that the autonomy framework allows for full involvement in economic, social, and environmental projects and facilitates active participation in the regional and continental momentum currently experienced by the Sahara. He stated that autonomy serves as a lever for ensuring that development directly benefits the concerned populations.
The ambassador mentioned that the Moroccan Sahara is continuing its economic and social development within the framework of the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces, launched by King Mohammed VI in 2015, with a budget exceeding $10 billion and a project completion rate of 90%. He added that the Moroccan Sahara is transforming into an economic, logistical, and diplomatic hub, serving not only Morocco but Africa as a whole.
Hilale underscored Morocco’s belief in regional development anchored in national and continental visions, describing it as a catalyst for the region. He noted that integrated development is a strategic foundation for implementing major Royal initiatives for Africa, such as the Moroccan Initiative for Access to the Atlantic. The ambassador highlighted that the Moroccan Sahara is becoming a connection point between African countries and the world, focusing on constructing a new architecture of solidarity, co-development, and collective security.
Hilale explained that this involves providing landlocked countries with access to global markets through modern infrastructure, like the future Atlantic Port of Dakhla, and establishing economic and industrial zones. These efforts will facilitate the development of agricultural, mining, and energy resources and develop interconnected transport and energy networks in the southern provinces.
He emphasized that this model reflects the Royal vision of respectful South-South cooperation, placing Africa at its core. The Moroccan Sahara becomes a platform for development diplomacy focused on partnership, stability, and shared progress. Hilale insisted that Morocco’s proposals are proven solutions supported by many African and European states.
He concluded by asserting that this international momentum is a clear message to the UN and other parties, urging them to assume their responsibilities and abandon outdated stances, aligning with the evolving political, diplomatic, and on-the-ground realities of the issue.