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Immediately after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2797 on October 31, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, held a briefing in Brussels to define the framework for the upcoming negotiations on the Moroccan Sahara. Beyond his personal interpretation of the elements contained in the resolution, the UN envoy’s recent intervention aimed to outline the framework for future negotiations, calm the enthusiasm of some, and mitigate the disappointment of others following the adoption of this historic resolution.
De Mistura acknowledged that Resolution 2797 is important, not only because of its content, but also because it reflects international energy and determination to finally resolve this conflict, which has now lasted for half a century. He admits that such momentum has never been seen before, and that this renewed energy is particularly relevant today in order to move forward and resolve this regional dispute. It is difficult to believe these words coming from someone who, in the past, did not have the audacity to anticipate the Security Council’s decision and did not have the courage to bring Algiers to its senses a little earlier.
The real work to implement the agreed framework begins now
This sudden burst of energy within the Security Council seems to have surprised de Mistura, who is familiar with UN debates. We have never seen anything like this, he says, comparing the UN Secretariat to a sailboat that has the necessary experience, and now needs strong and steady winds, and the commitment of Security Council members to reach its destination. Thus, according to him, the recent resolution is the result of this proactive commitment by the members of the Security Council and represents the appropriate framework for serious negotiations.
The Personal Envoy added that there will be no predetermined outcome to future talks, but that the solution will only come from direct or indirect negotiations conducted in good faith between all parties. Participating in these coming talks does not necessarily mean accepting their final outcome in advance, he said, no doubt to reassure Algeria and its ally that they should engage seriously with the next phase of the UN-led political process. In his enthusiasm, de Mistura asked Morocco to present its expanded and updated autonomy plan, which will form the basis for negotiations, while asking the other party to present its own.
It was during the question-and-answer session that the Personal Envoy was able to further clarify his approach. When asked about the resolution, which appears to be favorable to Morocco, he stated that, for him, it is above all a roadmap and a guide toward resolving this crisis. The atmosphere is good, the momentum is moving in the right direction, and the real work begins now, he commented. In other words, he did not want to answer this awkward question so as not to upset anyone and to keep all his options open for the success of his mission.
Despite the irreversible triumph of Morocco’s plan, de Mistura still wants to reassure Algeria
However, the Envoy considered the recent resolution, which definitively buried the impractical idea of a referendum, to be a very elaborate document. Every word was carefully weighed and was the result of discussion, even compromise, carrying a message, he admitted. These messages, if used wisely, could therefore lead to serious negotiations, he emphasized. To support his reasoning, he reviewed his main achievements, which can be summarized in the following three points: 1. the definition of the four parties, namely Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front; 2. the principle of autonomy with explicit reference to Moroccan sovereignty; 3. the UN Charter; 4. and finally, a mutually acceptable political solution.
Despite the clear objective of the resolution, which refers clearly to the autonomy as the only prospect, and Moroccan sovereignty as a prerequisite for any responsible and serious negotiation, de Mistura suggested that the resolution also provides an opportunity for the presentation of other new ideas in order to reach a final solution acceptable to all parties. For him, the text of the resolution offers the possibility of a real and constructive discussion, initially discreet, he hopes, and then more open and direct.
It is this last remark that reveals, between the lines, a sense of doubt on the part of the personal envoy. We sense him trying to reassure Algeria, which has become embroiled in this conflict with a view to perpetuating it and weakening its western neighbor. He did, however, finally reassure us that the recent resolution entrusts the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy with a mandate to facilitate, and nothing else, which should lead to negotiations between the various parties on the sole Moroccan initiative for autonomy, as stipulated in the latest resolution.
Freedom of local management with oversight of the national state
This principle of autonomy, which Morocco had already proposed in 2007 and which the Security Council has just confirmed, means granting a given region within a country the power to manage its own regional affairs without seeking separation from the central government. The region in question administers itself within the framework of established agreements and laws, but remains an integral part of the country and the nation. Through autonomy, a region thus obtains administrative, political, economic, and cultural freedom to manage local affairs devolved to it by law, within the framework of the nation.
In several countries where this practice has been implemented, the results have been convincing. Thus, an autonomous region may have its own local parliament and a regional government to manage day-to-day affairs in accordance with agreements established with the central government. Administratively, economically, and culturally, the region manages key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, tourism, and tax collection, among others. National laws apply on the legal front, but the region has the option of adopting specific regulations adapted to local realities.
The autonomy of a region is essentially freedom of local management without breaking away from the national state. It is based primarily on belonging to a larger nation and is simply an elaborate form of broad decentralization, which is also a sign of maturity. It aims to respond to regional specificities without undermining national unity. Autonomy is therefore a matter of trust that is established with the population of a region. It is based on a subtle balance between sovereignty and self-governance, but in order to last, it must be governed by laws and framed by the country’s Constitution.
Successful autonomy is also inspired by the country’s history, traditions, and practices. In Morocco, the Sultans ruled regions far from the political capital through caliphs and representatives of the Makhzen authorities. However, during those periods, the authorities did not have the modern means of communication available today.Â
Drawing inspiration from our own history and successful examples of regional autonomy around the world, Morocco will thus offer a realistic, proactive, and honorable solution. A solution faithful to its historical traditions, reconciling the territorial integrity of the country, the regional development of the Moroccan Sahara, and the promise of finally seeing the Union of the Maghreb revitalized.
