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Rabat – Algeria’s regime continues to sidestep the UN-led political process on Western Sahara. However, the UN fails to take any decisive action to pressure Tebboune’s administration to contribute to finding a mutually acceptable political solution to the longstanding dispute.
In his recent report on the situation in Western Sahara, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres recalled how Algeria continues to distance itself from the Western Sahara dispute.
In paragraph 28, Guterres outlined statements by Algeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Attaf, who insisted that his country does not consider itself a part of the dispute.
In paragraph 32 of his report, he emphasized how Algeria’s regime was repeatedly reluctant to actively contribute to resolving the dispute.
“Foreign Minister Attaf reiterated his government’s continued support for direct talks between Morocco and Frente Polisario under the aegis of the United Nations, with the presence of Algeria and Mauritania,” the UNSG said.
Although acknowledging the Algerian regime’s direct involvement, the report fails to exert the necessary pressure on Tebboune’s administration, which continues to feed Polisario’s independence claims in Western Sahara.
Morocco’s momentum and developments were also cited in the report, including the British government’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in June, when the country joined the growing chorus of international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a genuine initiative contributing to the UN-led political process.
Guterres also recalled the US’ renewed support for Morocco’s position, citing a statement issued on April 8 during the visit of Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita to Washington.
In the statement, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated his government’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, and urged the parties to engage in discussions without delay.
He also endorsed Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the only plausible framework, stressing his country’s commitment to facilitate progress toward this aim.
The UN again “strongly” urges “all concerned to engage without delay” in support of the UN-led political process.
The report refrains from naming Algeria as a central actor responsible for obstruction, limiting itself to cautious appeals.
“I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Western Sahara and the entrenched circumstances on the ground that continue to impede progress towards a political solution to the conflict,” Guterres said.
For years, Algeria turned a deaf ear to the UN’s calls and has consistently refused Morocco’s olive branches to engage in direct talks seeking to end the political stalemate that continues to hamper Maghreb unity.
In 2021, Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco, citing unproven allegations and accusing Rabat of hostile actions, despite Algiers’ own involvement in lobbying efforts and maneuvers that challenge Morocco’s territorial integrity.
In the report, Guterres recalled his concerns over the “no concrete improvement” in relations between the two countries.
He also encouraged the two countries to renew efforts aimed at regional cooperation.
“Neighbouring States have a crucial role to play for the achievement of a solution to the question of Western Sahara, which would furthermore benefit their security and development prospects,” he said.
