Forty Nations Rally Behind Morocco’s Sahara Sovereignty at UNHRC

The United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, seen earlier this year during a presentation on the conflict in Syria. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador Nikki Haley announced that the U.S. will be withdrawing from the council.

A coalition of forty countries delivered unified support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara provinces during the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session in Geneva, with the Central African Republic presenting the joint statement on behalf of the group. This diplomatic demonstration represents significant international backing for Morocco’s territorial integrity and autonomy initiative.

“We reaffirm our constant and unwavering support to the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its southern provinces,” the Central African diplomat declared, emphasizing the coalition’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy proposal, which the Security Council has recognized as “serious and credible.” The statement reflects growing international consensus around Morocco’s sovereignty and the viability of its proposed solution.

The representative stressed maintaining the bilateral nature of interactions between member states, the Human Rights Council, and the High Commissioner, warning against attempts to exploit the forum for unproductive political debates. This position directly challenges efforts to politicize human rights mechanisms for territorial disputes, defending the council’s primary mission of addressing genuine human rights concerns.

The forty-nation coalition spans multiple continents, demonstrating Morocco’s successful diplomatic outreach beyond traditional allies. This broad support includes African, Arab, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, reflecting Morocco’s strengthened international partnerships and the effectiveness of its diplomatic strategy.

The statement’s timing proves particularly significant as international momentum builds around Morocco’s autonomy plan. Recent recognitions from major powers, including the United States and several European nations, have shifted the diplomatic landscape decisively. This collective declaration at the UN’s primary human rights body reinforces Morocco’s position while challenging opposing narratives attempting to instrumentalize international forums.

About Geraldine Boechat 3452 Articles
Senior Editor for Medafrica Times and former journalist for Swiss National Television. former NGO team leader in Burundi and Somalia