Western Sahara: Partition Rumors Denied as International Support for Moroccan Sovereignty Grows
Rumors of a proposed partition of Western Sahara have been swiftly denied by a UN diplomatic source, amidst growing international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.
The source, speaking to French-language Moroccan news outlet Maroc Hebdo, refuted claims made by Reuters that Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, had formally suggested dividing the territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
The denial comes as international support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara continues to gain momentum. This plan, which proposes a degree of self-governance for the region while remaining under Moroccan sovereignty, has been lauded by numerous countries as a realistic and credible path to resolving the decades-long dispute.
While Reuters reported that de Mistura had floated the idea of partition during a regional tour several months ago, the UN source clarified that the envoy was merely gauging the positions of Morocco, Algeria, and the Polisario Front on the matter. No formal proposal was ever put forward.
The source further highlighted the inconsistency in Algeria’s stance on the issue. Despite claiming to champion the right to self-determination, Algeria has reportedly supported the idea of partitioning Western Sahara since at least 2002, when the second Baker Plan was proposed.
The Western Sahara dispute, a legacy of colonial rule, has persisted for nearly five decades. While both Morocco and the Polisario Front have rejected the notion of partition, Morocco remains committed to its autonomy plan as the most viable solution. This commitment to a peaceful resolution, coupled with growing international support, offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future in Western Sahara.
