United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres released a detailed report on Wednesday that outlines recent efforts and challenges in resolving the Moroccan Sahara conflict and highlights a lack of cooperation from the Polisario Front.
The 20-page report summarizes Guterres’ attempts to revive talks among the four main parties involved in the dispute: Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front.
According to the report, the situation on the ground is “characterized by tensions and low-intensity hostilities” between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with limited progress in the political process despite the efforts of UN Personal Envoy Staffan de Mistura.
Morocco has reaffirmed its commitment to the UN process and to implementing Morocco’s internationally accepted autonomy plan, which French President Emmanuel Macron underscored on July 30 as “the basis for resolving the issue.”
However, Macron’s endorsement of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, along with Chad’s recent inauguration of a consulate in Dakhla, evoked strong disapproval by both Algeria and the Polisario Front, according to the report.
Guterres also noted a number of attacks that have hindered MINURSO’s mission in the area. For instance, MINURSO reported a rocket attack by the Polisario on October 29, 2023, that struck the Moroccan city of Smara, located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the MINURSO team site. This attack resulted in the death of one civilian and injured three others, including a minor.
Additionally, MINURSO reported that its investigative efforts have been obstructed by restrictions imposed by the Polisario Front.
Despite these challenges and threats, Morocco continues to modernize and develop its southern provinces, to transform the region into a hub for sustainable development and renewable energy. On July 29, Morocco inaugurated the Sakia El Hamra wadi bridge, a significant infrastructure project commemorating the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne.
The report recognizes Morocco’s willingness to negotiate and find a diplomatic solution to ongoing tensions and concludes with a call for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict.