The UN’s envoy to Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has proposed partitioning Western Sahara as a potential solution to the decades-long conflict between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front. His suggestion, presented to the UN Security Council, involves dividing the territory, allowing for both Moroccan sovereignty in the north and an independent state in the south. Although some countries involved in the issue expressed interest, both Morocco and Polisario have shown no willingness to explore the option. The Polisario insists on a referendum for self-determination, while Morocco refuses to negotiate on its sovereignty over the region. The UN has been mediating the dispute since the 1970s and helped negotiate a ceasefire agreement in 1991 with the eventual goal of holding a referendum.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 22, 2024 15:20 UTC