Elected officials from Morocco's Southern Provinces addressed the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York, highlighting the region's significant democratic progress and development strides. They presented evidence and statistics to demonstrate the substantial advancements in the Sahara region. The delegation included recently elected representatives, such as Moufida Ouiddad, who emphasized the growing presence of Sahrawi women in public life and decision-making positions.
Moufida Ouiddad, a young deputy, expressed pride in representing a generation of Sahrawi women who are actively engaged in public life. She stressed that her legitimacy as a representative is based on the trust placed in her by her constituents, not on any external claims or indefinite mandates. Her presence at the UN reflects the increasing participation of women in Moroccan politics and decision-making processes.
Hormatollah Erragheb, president of the Dakhla commune, highlighted the city's emergence as a promising economic hub and Atlantic interface. He attributed this growth to a vision focused on openness, investment, resource valorization, human capital development, and partnerships. Erragheb emphasized that the dynamic development in the region is a success story, demonstrating that Sahrawis seek to be part of the global community, not isolated from it.
H'Mmaid Soubai, a councilor from Foum El Oued, emphasized that the presence of elected officials from the Southern Provinces at the UN is a continuation of their electoral legitimacy and responsibility to their constituents. He noted that the region's development momentum demonstrates the importance of investing in infrastructure and human capital, which is essential for human dignity. Soubai also expressed hope that this progress can be extended to Sahrawis in Tindouf camps.
Takber Abba, a local elected official from Boujdour province, highlighted the evolving role of Sahrawi women in development. She noted that women are no longer just beneficiaries of development policies but active participants, contributing through their creativity, entrepreneurship, and value creation. Abba emphasized that Sahrawi women are now economic actors, project leaders, and employers participating in the local and national economy.
Moulay Brahim Chrif, president of the Smara commune, emphasized that despite its geographical distance from the coast, Smara is not isolated from the development dynamic in the Southern Provinces. He expressed confidence that the Royal Initiative to facilitate access for landlocked African countries to the Atlantic Ocean will help connect inland cities to networks of connectivity, exchange, and investment.
The elected officials from the Southern Provinces reiterated that genuine representation of Sahrawis is built on trust and acquired through voting, not through external claims or unilateral assertions. They emphasized that their presence at the UN reflects the democratic progress and development dynamics in the region, showcasing the Sahrawis' aspirations for a better future.
Key points
- The elected officials from Morocco's Southern Provinces highlighted the region's significant democratic progress and development strides at the UN General Assembly.
- The delegation emphasized the growing presence of Sahrawi women in public life and decision-making positions.
- The representatives showcased the region's development momentum, demonstrating the importance of investing in infrastructure and human capital.
