Morocco reaffirmed on Tuesday its commitment to a political solution for the Moroccan Sahara dispute under the Autonomy Plan.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Morocco’s head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, explained that Morocco’s proposal for the Autonomy Plan, under national sovereignty and territorial integrity, remains the only viable path to resolving the decades-long regional conflict.
Akhannouch reiterated Morocco’s position that no political resolution can proceed outside the framework established by the UN-led roundtable discussions, which require full participation from Algeria.
He stressed that the peace process depends on the return of armed militias to the ceasefire agreement, echoing the stance of the UN Security Council.
The Moroccan Autonomy Plan, which offers local governance under Moroccan sovereignty, has received growing international support. Akhannouch noted this momentum, calling it a clear sign to opposing parties and the UN that the time has come to advance toward a political resolution based on the autonomy framework.
He urged the international community to embrace the UN’s roundtable process, which has been endorsed by successive Security Council resolutions, most recently Resolution 2703.
Akhannouch also recalled Morocco’s support of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his personal envoy in their efforts to restart the roundtable talks, which include Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and the Polisario Front.
The head of government pointed out the rapid economic development underway in the Moroccan-administered Sahara, describing it as one of the most prosperous regions in the country. He credited this success to large-scale projects under Morocco’s development model for its southern provinces.
Akhannouch drew attention to the active political engagement of local Saharan communities, who participate through their democratically elected representatives. This, he said, reflects their overwhelming support for Moroccan sovereignty over the region.