UN Envoy Suggests Partition of Western Sahara to Resolve Conflict

The proposal aims to address the long-standing dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front, but neither side has shown willingness to consider it.

• The UN envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, proposed dividing the territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front as a potential solution to the decades-long conflict.
• De Mistura's plan suggests creating an independent state in the southern part of Western Sahara, while integrating the rest into Morocco with recognized sovereignty.
• Both Morocco and the Polisario Front have not shown interest in exploring the partition proposal further, maintaining their respective positions on sovereignty and self-determination.
• The UN has been involved in attempts to resolve the Western Sahara dispute since the 1970s, with a 1991 settlement providing for a cease-fire and a future referendum.
• De Mistura indicated he would pursue progress for six more months before reassessing the UN's role in facilitating the political process for Western Sahara.

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