Western Sahara Deadlock: UN Envoy’s Partition Proposal Rejected
The decades-long dispute over Western Sahara has taken another dramatic turn as UN envoy Staffan de Mistura’s controversial proposal to partition the territory was met with staunch opposition from both Morocco and the Polisario Front.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters revealed that de Mistura, during a closed-door meeting with the UN Security Council, suggested dividing Western Sahara into two entities. The southern portion would become an independent state governed by the Polisario Front, while Morocco would retain control over the northern part, receiving international recognition for its morocco-approaches-final-solution-western-sahara-conflict/” title=”Morocco Edges Closer to Final Resolution in Western Sahara Conflict”>sovereignty.
This proposition, however, has been swiftly rejected by both sides. Morocco, which has consistently advocated for its territorial integrity and proposed an autonomy plan as the most viable solution, remains firmly against any partition of its southern provinces. The Polisario Front, on the other hand, continues to demand a referendum on self-determination, a long-standing UN resolution that has faced numerous roadblocks.
De Mistura’s proposal comes at a time when Morocco has gained significant diplomatic ground in the Western Sahara issue. An increasing number of countries, including the United States, have expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, further solidifying Morocco’s claim over the territory. The opening of consulates in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla by various countries also underscores the growing international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
The UN envoy’s suggestion, while aiming to break the five-decade deadlock, appears to have further complicated the situation. De Mistura has indicated that he might reconsider his role as UN envoy if no tangible progress is made within the next six months.
As it stands, the future of Western Sahara hangs in the balance. The recent developments highlight the complexities of the conflict, influenced by shifting regional and international dynamics. With both Morocco and the Polisario Front rejecting the partition proposal, the search for a lasting and mutually acceptable solution continues. The international community now faces the challenge of navigating these complexities and facilitating a peaceful resolution to this protracted dispute.
