Moroccan Sahara: Guterres Concerned over Algeria’s Blocking of the Political Process

In his latest report to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, deplored that progress in the political process on the Moroccan Sahara, facilitated by his Personal Envoy, remained difficult. The report noted that the Personal Envoy held informal bilateral consultations with the various parties, without however succeeding in relaunching the political process in order to move towards a peaceful and lasting solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This blockage is mainly due to Algeria’s refusal to assume its responsibility and its role as the main party in this dispute. The report said that Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf reaffirmed during meetings with the Personal Envoy in February and April 2024 that his country “is not a party” to this dispute. The absence of Algeria’s active participation complicates the political process, delays the search for a peaceful and just solution and prolongs the status quo. The UN Chief stressed that Morocco, for its part, has reaffirmed its willingness to relaunch the roundtable process, which it considers an opportunity to advance in dialogue. The report refers to the Personal Envoy’s meeting on April 4, 2024 in Rabat with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, during which the latter reiterated Morocco’s commitment to reinforcing international support for its vision regarding the settlement of the dispute, namely the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, considered as the only realistic solution. Mr. Guterres said that the Personal Envoy also met with senior representatives of the United States, Spain, South Africa, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, all of whom reaffirmed their support for the United Nations’ efforts to facilitate a political resolution to the conflict. The UN Secretary-General underscored in his report the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to this end, stressing the key role of the international community’s support in this regard. The report noted that the Personal Envoy will continue to work closely with all parties to move towards a peaceful and lasting solution.