Sahrawi Self-Determination Key to Western Sahara Resolution
Diplomat and former ambassador Amar Belani has expressed concerns regarding the United States' approach to resolving the Western Sahara conflict. Mr. Belani notes that the current US strategy prioritizes a solution based on the Moroccan autonomy plan, a direction he believes enters a delicate phase given recent diplomatic efforts, including the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and three rounds of discussions. He suggests that Washington's push for an expedited political settlement encounters significant disagreements between Morocco and the Polisario Front, while persistent tensions on the ground further complicate the search for a mutual compromise.
Mr. Belani emphasizes that an accelerated process does not guarantee the acceptance or long-term viability of a solution, particularly if it is perceived as imposed or has a predetermined outcome, which he states would not be accepted by the Sahrawi people. He cautions against any attempts to pressure or circumvent the Polisario Front, which is recognized by the United Nations as the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people in the conflict resolution process. Marginalizing the Polisario Front, he argues, could jeopardize the political conditions essential for a lasting peace, asserting that genuine compromise necessitates good faith negotiation where all parties can examine proposals without predefined conditions or coercion.
Further reinforcing Algeria's consistent stance, Amar Belani highlights that UN efforts provide the sole framework for achieving a just resolution. He underscores the importance of preserving this multilateral framework, suggesting that American initiatives should complement, rather than replace, established UN processes. Mr. Belani warns that if the upcoming UN Security Council resolution on Western Sahara, scheduled for October 31, 2026, were to endorse Moroccan autonomy as the exclusive basis for a political process, it would mark a concerning turning point that could deplete the political process of its essence and compromise conditions for a true compromise. He concludes that a durable settlement requires effectively considering the legitimate aspirations of the Sahrawi people, as any alternative risks a prolonged impasse and potential resurgence of hostilities.
