Moroccan Bar Association Applauds UN Security Council Resolution on Western Sahara
Moroccan Bar Association Applauds UN Security Council Resolution on Western Sahara
The Moroccan Bar Association has strongly praised UN Security Council Resolution 2756, viewing it as a significant diplomatic victory for Morocco and a definitive end to the option of a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara. The Association believes the resolution solidifies Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan and frames the conflict within a regional context. This stance reflects a broader trend in international diplomacy surrounding the Western Sahara issue, with increasing support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal.
The Bar Association emphasized its commitment to advocating for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara. They see Resolution 2756 as reinforcing the international community’s recognition of Morocco’s serious and credible efforts to move towards a resolution. This aligns with the UN’s ongoing efforts to facilitate a political solution that is “realistic, pragmatic, durable, and based on compromise,” as stated in previous resolutions like 2602 (2021) and 2654 (2022). These resolutions consistently call upon all parties – Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania – to engage constructively in the political process.
The historical context of the Western Sahara dispute is complex. Spain’s withdrawal from the territory in 1975 created a power vacuum, leading to competing claims by Morocco, the Polisario Front (representing the Sahrawi people), and Mauritania. Mauritania later relinquished its claim. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has sought a referendum on self-determination, while Morocco has proposed an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. This disagreement has fueled decades of tension and diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution.
Resolution 2756, like its predecessors, reaffirms the importance of the UN-led political process and encourages continued engagement with Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General Staffan de Mistura. While the resolution doesn’t explicitly mention a referendum, it does underscore the need for a “mutually acceptable political solution.” This phrasing reflects the evolving international understanding of the conflict and a growing consensus around the impracticality of a referendum, given the difficulties in determining eligible voters and the changing demographics of the region.
The Moroccan Bar Association’s endorsement of the resolution highlights the domestic support within Morocco for the autonomy plan. They see it as a viable path towards stability and development in the region, offering a framework for self-governance while maintaining Morocco’s territorial integrity. This perspective contrasts with the Polisario Front’s continued calls for independence, creating a persistent challenge for UN-led mediation efforts.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on the UN-led political process and the efforts of the Personal Envoy to bridge the gap between the parties. The international community continues to encourage direct negotiations between Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania as the key to unlocking a lasting resolution. The Moroccan Bar Association’s statement adds another voice to the ongoing conversation, emphasizing the importance of Resolution 2756 in shaping the future of Western Sahara.
