The UN envoy proposes a division of Western Sahara between Morocco and the Polisario, which they do not accept

He United Nations envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Misturaproposed the idea of ​​dividing the territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front as a solution to a dispute that has lasted almost five decades, according to statements collected by Reuters.

The conflict, frozen for a long time and which dates back to 1975faces Morocco, which considers the Western Sahara as its own territory, and the independence movement Polisario Front, backed by Algeriawhich aims to create an independent state there.

Morocco states that autonomy under its sovereignty is the most it can offer as a political solution to the conflict, while the Polisario Front insists on holding a referendum on independence as an option.

In a closed-door briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday, Misturaa veteran Italian diplomat, said that partition “could allow the creation, on the one hand, of an independent state in the southern part, and on the other the integration of the rest of the territory as part of Moroccowith its sovereignty over it recognized internationally”.

Neither Morocco nor the Polisario Front accepted the proposal, De Mistura said at the briefing, adding that the UN secretary general should reconsider the usefulness of your role as envoy if there is no progress in six months.

In its resolutions, the Security Council has called on the parties to work together to find a mutually acceptable political solution to the conflict, while has described Morocco’s autonomy plan as “serious and credible.”

As the autonomy plan gains strength at the bilateral level, De Mistura on Wednesday urged Rabat to “explain and expand” your proposal.

In July, France became the second permanent member of the Security Council, after the United States, in support the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory. Algeria reacted by withdrawing its ambassador in Paris.

Spainformer colonial power of Western Sahara, declared in 2022 that supports the autonomy plan. The Arab monarchies and Israel also back Moroccan sovereignty over the territory, where 29 countries, mostly African and Arab, have opened consulates in what Rabat sees as tangible support.