UN envoy to Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, don propose one new way to settle the long-time conflict for the region. According to briefing wey him give to U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, de Mistura suggest say dividing the territory between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front fit be one solution. This idea of partition no be new, as former envoy James Baker also talk am over two decades ago.
The proposal dey suggest say the southern part of Western Sahara fit become independent state, while the rest fit join Morocco with international recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty. But both Morocco and Polisario no show any willingness to consider this option. Morocco dey insist say dem no go negotiate on the sovereignty of the territory, while Polisario dey demand self-determination through referendum.
Western Sahara, wey be former Spanish colony in northwest Africa, don be under dispute since 1970s. United Nations consider am as ‘non-self-governing’ territory and recognize Polisario as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people. Morocco control most of the phosphate-rich region and call am ‘southern provinces,’ while Polisario see demself as government in exile and operate from refugee camps in southwest Algeria.
Since Polisario withdraw from cease-fire in 2020, low-intensity hostilities don dey happen. De Mistura say him go continue to pursue progress for six more months before returning for consultations next year. Him also talk say if no progress, U.N. might need to reassess whether dem still useful in the process.
Some countries involved show interest in the proposal, but it clear say both main parties no ready to explore am further. Laayoune, the largest city, and Dakhla, the second largest, fit be divided along historic lines if partition happen.
