Positive Developments Surrounding UN Vote Reflect Two Decades of Morocco’s Diplomatic Efforts – French Jurist

Paris – The positive developments on the Moroccan Sahara issue following Friday’s UN vote come as no surprise to French legal expert Hubert Seillan, who sees them as part of the diplomatic momentum the Kingdom has built over the past two decades under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

In Resolution 2797, the UN Security Council concluded the Autonomy Plan as the basis for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable settlement of the dispute, an approach now supported by a large majority of states, noted the author of several books on the Moroccan Sahara.

Seillan, who has addressed the UN Fourth Committee on several occasions as a petitioner, told MAP that “after 35 years of presence, MINURSO had long appeared to be an anachronistic mechanism.”

For him, “the deadlock within the Security Council illustrates the inability of the UN process to fully take into account the broad consensus that has gradually emerged over the years around Morocco’s position.” 

The numerous consulates established in Laayoune and Dakhla “also bear witness to the evolution of international recognition of Morocco’s legitimacy,” he pointed out. 

The vote reinforces the diplomatic momentum set in motion by Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s position, noting that this growing international support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative now makes it possible to foresee a settlement of the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, he emphasized.

In his view, Morocco will be able to demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling, in its Southern Provinces, the aspirations of the overwhelming majority of Africans and the hopes of European countries, for the main issue at stake in affirming Morocco’s legitimacy is peace and development in West Africa.”