DZWatch Exclusive: A senior advisor to the U.S. President has offered a nuanced perspective on the Western Sahara dispute, suggesting that the Moroccan autonomy plan is not the only viable solution being considered.
In an interview, Mosaad Boulos, a key advisor on Arab and African Affairs, stated that the recent United Nations Security Council resolution leaves room for a variety of initiatives and ideas from all parties involved. He emphasized that the Security Council did not grant exclusivity to the autonomy plan, but rather welcomed all proposals that could advance the political process.
“The only path to a resolution is through consensus between the directly involved parties, namely the Polisario Front and Morocco, via comprehensive and frank dialogue,” Boulos asserted. He added that the United States encourages all parties to engage in dialogue to reach a comprehensive and mutually agreeable solution.
Addressing the Polisario Front’s recent statements, the U.S. advisor characterized them as containing legitimate reservations, stating that “it is the right of any party to express reservations in such sensitive matters.” He further elaborated that the United States views these reservations as a starting point for further discussion, not a roadblock to progress.
Regarding the possibility of a referendum, Boulos explained that MINURSO (the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) was initially established to organize a self-determination referendum. However, he noted that the specific details of this option are for the involved parties to agree upon. “The real issue lies in the preamble to the UN resolution, not in its core tenets,” he clarified, suggesting that a re-evaluation of the underlying principles guiding the process may be necessary to break the current deadlock. DZWatch continues to monitor this developing situation.
