UN General Assembly Reaffirms Support for Security Council-Led Western Sahara Peace Process
The United Nations General Assembly has recently reiterated its backing for the ongoing political process, steered by the Security Council, to resolve the long-standing dispute over Western Sahara. This reaffirmation underscores the international community’s commitment to finding a peaceful and lasting solution to this complex issue.
The Western Sahara conflict, a territorial dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, has spanned decades, impacting the lives of countless individuals and hindering regional stability. The Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi people, seeks self-determination and independence for the territory, while Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its kingdom. This difference in perspective has fueled ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts to find common ground.
The UN’s involvement in the Western Sahara issue dates back to 1963, when it was included on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion in 1975, recognizing the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Since then, the UN has played a crucial role in mediating negotiations and maintaining a peacekeeping presence through the MINURSO mission (United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara). However, achieving a definitive resolution has proven challenging.
The Security Council remains the primary body responsible for overseeing the political process. Resolution 2654, adopted in October 2022, extended MINURSO’s mandate and emphasized the importance of reaching a “realistic, pragmatic, durable, and mutually acceptable political solution“ based on compromise. This resolution, like previous ones, highlights the Security Council’s commitment to a peaceful settlement. The General Assembly’s recent endorsement reinforces this commitment and provides further impetus for the parties involved to engage constructively in the UN-led process.
Recent developments, including the appointment of Staffan de Mistura as the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, signal a renewed focus on finding a resolution. De Mistura has been actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy, meeting with representatives from Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania, the neighboring countries involved in the dispute. These efforts aim to foster dialogue and build trust between the parties, paving the way for future negotiations.
While the path to a final settlement remains complex, the continued support of the international community, as demonstrated by the General Assembly’s recent resolution, offers a glimmer of hope. The focus on a political solution, guided by the principles of compromise and realism, provides a framework for moving forward. The ongoing efforts of the Personal Envoy, coupled with the sustained engagement of the Security Council, are crucial for achieving a lasting peace in Western Sahara. The international community must continue to support these efforts and encourage all parties to engage constructively in the search for a mutually acceptable solution. This will not only bring stability to the region but also uphold the fundamental right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
Keywords: Western Sahara, UN General Assembly, Security Council, Polisario Front, Morocco, Staffan de Mistura, MINURSO, Resolution 2654, Self-determination, Peace process, North Africa, Territorial dispute, International law, Diplomacy, Conflict resolution.
