Burundi, Sierra Leone Reaffirm Support For Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

Rabat – Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara continues to gather ground within the United Nations, as Burundi and Sierra Leone renewed their positions during a recent meeting of the UN Committee of 24 (C24) in Managua, Nicaragua. 

Speaking before the committee, Burundi described the Autonomy Plan as the only viable path toward a lasting political outcome. Its delegation placed particular weight on UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which it described as a decisive shift that sets the Moroccan proposal as the reference point for ongoing talks.

Burundi pointed to a steady expansion of international support, now said to include more than 130 countries. It urged all parties, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front, to re-engage with the UN process constructively, under the guidance of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy.

The delegation also addressed the security context. It referred to the recent attack on Smara as a development that risks undermining fragile stability in the region, while reiterating its view that respect for the ceasefire remains essential. In the same vein, it acknowledged Morocco’s continued cooperation with the UN mission on the ground.

Burundi’s remarks extended to conditions in the southern provinces. It spoke of tangible progress in infrastructure, social services, and environmental projects, which it said have had a direct effect on daily life. The delegation also drew attention to local political participation, noting that elected representatives from the region continue to take part in UN discussions.

On human rights, Burundi cited Morocco’s engagement with UN mechanisms and its institutional framework at the regional level. At the same time, it raised concerns over the situation in the Tindouf camps, calling for greater transparency in the management of humanitarian aid and clearer oversight of population data.

Sierra Leone delivered a message that echoed many of these points. Its representative to the UN, Kalilu Totangi, described the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as consistent with international law and aligned with the direction set by the Security Council. Resolution 2797, he said, provides a concrete basis for moving the political process forward.

The diplomat also pointed to developments on the ground in the southern provinces, referring to investment in infrastructure and initiatives tied to sustainable growth and cultural preservation. These efforts, he noted, contribute to improving local conditions and strengthening long-term prospects for the region.

Sierra Leone further expressed support for the ongoing role of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, stressing the need for a political solution that remains realistic and durable. It also underlined the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, alongside continued coordination with the UN mission.

These statements reflect a broader diplomatic trend, with a growing number of countries now aligning around Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the framework to bring the long-standing dispute toward resolution.