Diplomats have struggled to broker negotiations over the disputed territory of Western Sahara since late 2020, when a ceasefire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front broke down. If it steps up its engagement, Washington may be able to get the ball rolling.
UN mediation appeared at standstill; reports emerged of French interest to invest in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara.
UN discussions with Morocco, Algeria and Polisario Front remained stalled. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura 4 April met Moroccan FM Nasser Bourita as latter expressed unwillingness to compromise on stances, including demanding Moroccan overall sovereignty over an autonomous Western Saharan and refusal to allow further process until ceasefire violations end. De Mistura 15 April also met Polisario Front representative to UN Sidi Mohamed Omar and 16 April Algerian FM Ahmed Attaf, where both reiterated their traditional position supporting Western Saharan independence; UN Security Council (UNSC) 16 April held closed door consultations on issue, ahead of which Omar called on UNSC to take tangible action to enable UN Mission to fulfil mandate and allow Western Saharan self-determination and independence.
France reportedly began preparations to invest in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara. News site Africa Intelligence 1 April reported France seeking to finance series of projects in Morocco-controlled Western Sahara, in attempt to try and mend relationship with Morocco. Polisario Front 6 April denounced plans, criticising Morocco for its “intransigence and arrogance” over investment claims.
We're seeing a diplomatic war [over Western Sahara], where both sides [Algeria and Morocco] are resorting to anything short of open conflict.
On 29 October, the UN Security Council will vote on the UN mission in Western Sahara’s renewal. Following last year’s resumption of hostilities and the appointment of a new envoy, Council members should signal their commitment to relaunching negotiations and an even-handed approach to the conflict.
Hugh Pope is joined by North Africa experts Intissar Fakir and Riccardo Fabiani to ask whether Morocco holds a winning hand in its conflict with the pro-independence Polisario Front in Western Sahara as Europe looks on timidly, wary of direct challenges to the regional power.
Les combats au Sahara occidental, qui ont repris en novembre 2020, restent de faible intensité. Les puissances étrangères auraient pourtant tort de penser qu’aucune escalade n’est possible. Soutenu par les Etats-Unis, le nouvel envoyé des Nations unies devrait poursuivre les efforts de rétablissement de la confiance qui permettront de faciliter les négociations.
Après un cessez-le-feu de 30 ans entre le Maroc et le Front Polisario indépendantiste, des affrontements ont éclaté au Sahara occidental. Sans une aide internationale, les combats pourraient s’intensifier. L’ONU devrait nommer un envoyé spécial, et les Etats-Unis devraient prendre la tête des efforts internationaux de diplomatie.
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Rob Malley and guest host Richard Atwood talk with Dahlia Scheindlin and Crisis Group’s North Africa Project Director Riccardo Fabiani about the normalisation of relations between Israel and Morocco and the accompanying U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria, have long been run by the Polisario movement, which seeks an independent state in Western Sahara, also claimed by Morocco. But a new generation of Sahrawi refugees is growing fractious as aid dwindles and diplomatic efforts fail to deliver a settlement.
Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our privacy policy for more details.