In a meeting between Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the UN Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, Rabat reiterated its firm position that autonomy is “the exclusive basis” for resolving the conflict, as confirmed by a statement from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This meeting is part of a regional tour by de Mistura, amidst Algeria’s continued refusal to participate in the roundtable discussions recommended by UN Security Council resolutions to resolve the conflict.
Strong Political Messages from Rabat
Bourita emphasized that the Moroccan autonomy initiative, proposed in 2007, represents the only viable solution, noting that Morocco’s stance is gaining increasing international support. Morocco also stressed the need for the UN to adhere to its decisions, particularly regarding the involvement of all concerned parties, including Algeria, which has so far refused to join the negotiations.
De Mistura in a Delicate Position?
De Mistura’s visit to Morocco followed a tour of regions in the Sahara, such as Laâyoune and Dakhla, where he met with local officials and civil society representatives to understand the situation on the ground. However, his recent actions, such as his visit to South Africa, which opposes Morocco’s territorial integrity, have raised questions about his impartiality in managing the file.
Questions Raised
- Will the UN succeed in pressuring Algeria to return to the roundtable discussions?
- How can Morocco leverage international support to strengthen its diplomatic position?
- Can de Mistura make a breakthrough in the face of the geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict?
Possible Scenarios
As long as Morocco continues its diplomatic approach based on autonomy and strengthening its sovereignty over the southern provinces, the major challenge for the UN will be to convince Algeria to engage in negotiations. Without the participation of all parties, the conflict will remain stalled, while Morocco continues to expand its presence in the region through large-scale developmental projects. Rabat appears determined to move forward without retreat, backed by increasing support within the UN Security Council and beyond, while Algeria’s and the Polisario Front’s positions remain a major obstacle to any real progress.
