UN envoy suggests splitting Western Sahara between Morocco and Polisario
UN envoy Staffan de Mistura proposed dividing Western Sahara between Morocco and Polisario Front. The suggestion aims to resolve the long-standing dispute but faces rejection from both parties involved in the conflict
Staffan de Mistura‚ the UN envoy for Western Sahara put forward a new idea to resolve the decades-old dispute. His proposal involves splitting the territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front (an independence movement backed by Algeria). This suggestion came to light during a closed-door briefing to the Security Council yesterday
The conflict‚ which started in the mid-1970s has Morocco claiming Western Sahara as its own while the Polisario Front seeks independence. Moroccos stance is that autonomy under its rule is the best political solution; whereas the Polisario Front demands a referendum that includes independence as an option
De Misturaʼs plan would create an independent state in the southern part of Western Sahara‚ while integrating the rest into Morocco with international recognition of its sovereignty. However neither side accepted this proposal. The envoy suggested that if no progress is made in about half a year‚ the UN Secretary General should think about whether his role is still useful
The UN Security Council has been asking both parties to work towards a solution thats acceptable to everyone. Theyʼve called Moroccos autonomy plan “serious and credible“. De Mistura urged Morocco to give more details about its proposal
The partition could allow for the creation on the one hand of an independent state in the southern part and on the other hand the integration of the rest of the Territory as part of Morocco‚ with its sovereignty over it internationally recognized
Recently‚ France joined the US in supporting Moroccos claim over Western Sahara. This happened about three months ago‚ leading Algeria to call back its ambassador from Paris. Spain (the former colonial power) also backed Moroccos plan roughly two years ago. Many Arab countries and Israel support Morocco too – 29 nations have opened consulates in the area‚ which Morocco sees as a sign of support
The Polisario Front stopped following a UN-brokered truce about four years ago. Despite this‚ the conflict remains low-key. As the situation continues‚ de Misturas proposal adds a new dimension to the ongoing discussions about Western Saharas future
