Morocco Urges de Mistura to Assert Authority in Western Sahara Dispute
Morocco has called on Staffan de Mistura, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, to exercise his full authority and resist undue influence from Algeria in the ongoing political process. Omar Hilale, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the importance of de Mistura maintaining an impartial and balanced approach to facilitating negotiations.
This call for stronger UN leadership comes amidst renewed international focus on the decades-long dispute over Western Sahara. The territory, a former Spanish colony, has been the subject of a complex political stalemate, with Morocco claiming sovereignty and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeking independence. The UN has been involved in mediation efforts since the 1990s, aiming to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution. However, progress has been slow and often fraught with setbacks.
Hilale’s statement suggests a growing concern within Morocco that Algeria’s influence is hindering the UN’s ability to broker a resolution. Algeria has consistently supported the Polisario Front’s claims and has been accused by Morocco of obstructing negotiations. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging political landscape. The UN Security Council has repeatedly called for all parties to cooperate with the Personal Envoy and engage constructively in the political process.
The Western Sahara conflict has significant implications for regional stability and security. The disputed territory’s strategic location and vast natural resources, including phosphates and potential offshore oil reserves, add to the geopolitical significance of the conflict. A resolution to the dispute is crucial not only for the people of Western Sahara but also for the broader stability of North Africa.
Morocco has proposed an autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which it argues offers a realistic and viable pathway to self-determination within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. This proposal has gained international support, with several countries recognizing it as a serious and credible basis for negotiations. However, the Polisario Front continues to insist on a referendum on independence, a position supported by Algeria.
The international community, including the UN Security Council, has consistently called for a realistic, pragmatic, and durable political solution based on compromise. De Mistura’s role as Personal Envoy is critical in facilitating dialogue and bridging the gap between the opposing sides. Morocco’s call for him to assert his authority underscores the need for strong and impartial leadership in the search for a peaceful resolution. The
