Western Sahara: UN Chief Renews Appeal for Re-establishment of Dialogue between Morocco, Algeria
Guterres also addressed the deadlock caused by Algeria’s regime, calling on all parties to engage in the UN-led political process to help in finding an agreed upon political solution.
Rabat – In his new report on the situation in Western Sahara, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a renewed appeal for the re-establishment of dialogue to resolve the ongoing political stalemate between Morocco and Algeria.
The call comes amid a series of similar requests aimed at fostering dialogue between the two countries.
The appeal however has been overshadowed by the ongoing hostile campaigns perpetuated by the Algerian regime, which make a reconciliation between Rabat and Algiers appear nearly impossible.
In his report, the UN chief regretted that there has been “no concrete improvement in the relations between Algeria and Morocco.” He continued to say that he encourages them “to re-establish dialogue to mend their relations and renew efforts aimed at regional cooperation, including to establish an environment conducive to peace and security.”
Guterres’ demand for dialogue comes amid ongoing hostile remarks and maneuvers from the Algeria regime, which hosts, shelters, finances, and supports the Polisario Front – a separatist group aiming to undermine Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces.
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For years, Algeria has remained in a state of denial, refusing to shoulder its role in the dispute and refusing to participate in the UN-led political process designed to assist in finding a mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara dispute.
Diplomatic relations between Morocco and Algeria were severed in August 2021, following Algeria’s accusations of Morocco’s alleged involvement in instigating wildfires that were in fact triggered by rising summer temperatures. Rabat vehemently rejected these claims, and further and expressed regret over Algeria’s unilateral decision.
Beyond the severance of diplomatic ties, relations have been at their worst for years, largely due to Algeria’s continued campaign of interfering in Morocco’s internal affairs.
The call for dialogue is not exclusive to the UN Secretary-General (UNSG). Morocco, including its King Mohammed VI, has sent multiple requests for dialogue to Algeria, all of which have fallen on deaf ears. Within this context, observers see no signs that the Sahara dispute is nearing resolution, as Algeria continues to deny its role in the conflict.
In his new report, Guterres reiterated the importance of all parties’ engagement in the UN-led political process to achieve a just lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution.
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“The United Nations remains available to convene them in a joint effort to advance the search for a peaceful solution to the issue of Western Sahara, with the full and meaningful participation of women,” Guterres said, encouraging the parties to focus on the interests they have in common and to also refrain from escalating the situation.
“I urge all concerned to seize the opportunity provided by my Personal Envoy’s facilitation and efforts,” the UN chief said, noting that strong political will and continued support from the international community also remain essential.
International support for Morocco
The UN and international community are aware of the developments in the situation which has increasingly been marked by the growing support Morocco has garnered in recent years.
One of the latest significant developments is France’s decision to join the expanding chorus of nations backing Morocco’s position. Paris recognized Rabat’s full sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara in July.
Several other major powers now officially recognize Morocco’s sovereignty, including the US, while others like Spain view the Autonomy Plan as the most “serious and credible” political solution to the dispute.
Last week, King Mohammed VI reiterated the importance of the momentum Morocco is gaining, thanking all the country’s partners for their unambiguous positions supporting national unity and integrity.
“We have been able to secure the recognition of influential countries which are permanent members of the Security Council, such as the United States of America and France,” the King said. He also noted that Morocco additionally received backing from Arab and African countries, who have since opened their diplomatic representations in Laayoune and Dakhla to reflect their positive positions in favor of Rabat.
UNSG has been releasing an annual document since the beginning of the UN’s handling of the Sahara dispute, in which the UN chief assesses the ongoing situation and provides recommendations ahead of the UN Security Council meeting.
The meeting involves a vote on a new resolution renewing the mandate of the UN peacekeeping operation in Western Sahara MINURSO at the end of October.
