Staffan de Mistura’s visit, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, to the Tindouf camps follows his meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita as part of a new tour aimed at gathering perspectives on the Western Sahara conflict, ahead of presenting his anticipated report to the UN Security Council.
During his meeting with Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, MFA Nasser Bourita reiterated the 4 fundamentals of the Kingdom's position on the Moroccan Sahara, as defined by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KIsbQ57klG
— Moroccan Diplomacy 🇲🇦 (@Marocdiplo_EN) September 30, 2024
This report holds great importance, as it comes amid rapid diplomatic developments and Morocco’s successes in garnering international support for the autonomy initiative as a lasting solution to the conflict.
Tindouf Visit: Gathering Opinions or Strengthening Positions?
During his visit to Tindouf, de Mistura met with leaders of the Polisario Front, including its leader Brahim Ghali, as part of hearing their viewpoints. Nevertheless, questions remain about the impact of these meetings on changing the course of the conflict, especially given Algeria’s continued support for the separatist front despite its repeated assertions that it is not a direct party.
Algeria: A Complex Position
Algeria has always taken a complicated stance towards the conflict, claiming to be a “monitoring party,” but increasing international pressure pushes for a bigger role in political solutions. UN reports increasingly emphasize Algeria’s direct role in the conflict. The latest report from UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Algeria to actively engage in negotiations.
Mauritania: A Neutrality Threatened by Change?
On the other side, Mauritania continues to adhere to a stance of “positive neutrality,” but recent events indicate a potential shift. The recent speech of the Mauritanian president at the UN General Assembly gave implicit support to Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, which angered both Algeria and the Polisario Front. Will this shift continue, and what will be its impact on the regional balance of power?
Morocco: Quiet Diplomacy or Decisive Strategy?
Morocco, for its part, continues its policy of dialogue and peaceful solutions, affirming that the autonomy initiative is the realistic and sustainable solution to the conflict. Morocco has strengthened its diplomatic position with strong support from major countries like the U.S., France, and Spain, as well as many African and Asian countries, which increasingly see autonomy as an appropriate solution.
With this diplomatic momentum, the question arises: will Morocco be able to push the conflict towards a peaceful resolution, or is there still a long way to go for the parties to reach a solution?
Conclusion: Is the Conflict Nearing Resolution?
The most pressing question remains: are we on the verge of ending a decades-long conflict, or will this round be added to the list of previous attempts that failed to achieve the desired progress? The upcoming UN report may carry answers, but it depends on the extent to which the parties, particularly Algeria and the Polisario Front, are committed to the spirit of consensus and international legitimacy.
Open Questions To what extent can the forthcoming UN report contribute to resolving the conflict? And will Algeria and the Polisario Front be ready to commit to international consensus for a final and sustainable solution to the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara?
