Algiers – The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established with the primary objective of organizing a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people. This assertion comes from Messad Boulos, a senior advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, and a high-ranking advisor on African affairs.
Speaking about the Western Sahara dispute, Boulos emphasized that the decision to hold or not hold a referendum rests solely with the parties involved: Morocco and the Polisario Front. He highlighted that recent Security Council resolutions on the Western Sahara issue have demonstrated a degree of flexibility, opening the door to various proposals. He clarified that the U.S. position within the Security Council doesn’t necessarily reflect its steadfast national policy.
Boulos stated that the core conflict is between Morocco and the Polisario Front. He further clarified that Algeria and Mauritania are considered accompanying states in the political process due to their geographical proximity and historical ties, rather than direct parties to the conflict, contrary to certain media narratives.
“Algeria and Mauritania are considered accompanying states in the political process,” Boulos noted.
These remarks come amid increasing international discussions regarding the future of resolving the Western Sahara issue, following the extension of MINURSO’s mandate and growing calls to revitalize the political process under the auspices of the United Nations, in accordance with international legality resolutions and the principle of self-determination.
