The UN Security Council extended Minurso’s mandate in Western Sahara for one year, until October 31, 2024. There are already analysts and experts on both sides of the Sahrawi region warning that this could be the last firecracker in May. After 32 years of mediation, the United Nations has moved to find a solution to the dispute, which has spanned nearly half a century since the 1975 Madrid Tripartite Agreement. The decision expanding the presence of Minurso troops to Morocco, Mauritania, Algeria and the Polisario Front”Resumption of negotiations with a view to reaching a solution, without preconditions and in good faith, under the supervision of the Secretary General policy fair, permanent and mutually acceptable. In the report, following informal consultations held at the UN headquarters in March, the USA, Russia, France and the UK, as well as Spain, are mentioned as actors to be taken into account in resolving the conflict.
The text approved by the Security Council does not include the words “referendum” or “autonomy”, which determine the positions of Polisario and Morocco. Although he foresees “self-determination of the people of Western Sahara” as a fruit of the negotiations, he considers Morocco’s proposal to grant autonomy to the Saharan territory “welcoming serious and convincing Moroccan efforts to advance the process towards a solution.” “Context of agreements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations”.
Is this the UN’s last effort and the last card played by special envoy Steffan de Mistura? On this occasion, the Security Council text uses stronger language in some parts and calls for Algeria to take a decisive role in resolving the conflict. The United Nations warns that the current status quo is “unacceptable” given the deteriorating conditions of refugees in Tindouf camps and calls for “improvement of the human rights situation in Western Sahara and Tindouf camps.” Encourage Parties to work with the international community to develop and implement independent and credible measures to ensure full respect for human rights.
The extension of Minurso’s mandate comes at a turning point in the Western Sahara conflict, brought on by recent conflict in Ukraine and now in Israel. Rabat recently received open support from France for its autonomy plan, thus joining the US, Spain, Germany and the UK, as well as other countries, some of which have been publicly named by the UN to mediate between the parties.
Similarly, the work of the Sahara Peace Movement (MSP) follows this path; The Second International Conference was recently held in Dakar, advocating a peaceful solution to the conflict, disarmament and reaching a negotiated settlement. Under the premise of Moroccan sovereignty over the territory of the former Spanish colony, but with a proposed autonomy law containing broad powers.
The Polisario Front’s stance on demanding the independence of Sahrawi lands has not changed. In response to the United Nations resolution, he warns that Minurso is missing “concrete measures” to enable it to carry out its work in the region and denounces that it is Morocco that is obstructing the UN’s work. The resolution calls on the warring parties to facilitate the work of MINURSO and not to create obstacles for mission members to visit refugee camps and other parts of the disputed territory.
In the background is also the origin of the resolution, which was supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, which are ex-officio members of the Security Council. In total, 13 Council members voted in favor of the extension, and only Russia and Mozambique abstained because they tried to make little mention of the peacekeeping force’s original mission (self-determination referendum) and demanded that Morocco also seek self-determination. Accept the visit to the territory of UN human rights rapporteurs.
That’s why UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned of the urgency of resolving the conflict after almost half a century, calling for an “open mind” when confronting the situation, setting aside preconditions and focusing on common interests. .
Attacks and explosions for a week
Before the UN’s latest statement, which was made public a week ago, there was a series of attacks and explosions that again sparked protests in various cities across the Sahara this weekend. According to the information collected, one person died and many people were injured in one of the attacks, especially in the town of Smara. Last weekend, especially at dawn from Saturday to Sunday and yesterday, new explosions occurred in Smara and surrounding areas claimed by the Polisario Front. Note that there was a war conflict in the former Spanish colony, although Rabat I denies this. . Sidi Mohamed Omar, the UN representative of the Polisario Front, said regarding the rocket attack at the UN, according to Morocco: “This is not a secret: We are at war, even if the occupying state does not want to recognize it.” 1 was killed and 3 were injured, including civilians. If Polisario’s responsibility is confirmed, these attacks would be the most serious to occur in the region; because in the three years since the ceasefire was broken in 2020, the Polisario Front’s actions have concentrated solely on military targets. Defensive wall built by the Moroccan army. | RAD