Algerian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, Meets Saharawi Counterpart to Discuss Western Sahara Issue

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In a significant diplomatic development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, held a meeting on Monday with his Saharawi counterpart, Mr. Mohamed Sidati. The meeting, which took place in Algiers, aimed to discuss the latest updates regarding the Western Sahara issue and explore possibilities for reviving the political process and resuming direct negotiations between the conflicting parties.

During their discussion, the foreign ministers examined the current state of the political process and explored ways to rejuvenate it. The resumption of direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front emerged as a key objective, reflecting a commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict. By engaging in direct talks, both parties can address their concerns, present their respective positions, and work towards a sustainable political resolution.

The statement issued by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of adhering to the decisions of the AU and the relevant resolutions of the UN in resolving the Western Sahara issue. The African Union, through its Peace and Security Council, has consistently supported the right to self-determination for the Saharawi people and called for a fair and lasting solution. Similarly, the UN has recognized the Saharawi people’s right to self-determination and has been actively involved in mediation efforts to achieve a just and mutually acceptable outcome.

Sneak Peek into the Western Sahara Cause: A Struggle for Self-Determination and Independence

The Western Sahara, a Non-Self-Governing Territory recognized by the United Nations (UN), remains a disputed region with an ongoing conflicts. Situated in the Sahel region, it shares borders with Algeria, the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mauritania.

The Sahrawis, the indigenous peoples of the region, form a diverse community speaking the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. Due to the region’s colonial past, Spanish is also spoken as a second language by many. Western Sahara has been a focal point on the decolonization agenda of both the UN and the African Union (AU) for over half a century.

In 1963, Western Sahara was listed as a non-self-governing territory under Article 73 of the UN Charter and the UN General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 1960, which focused on granting independence to colonial countries and peoples.

A significant turning point in the Western Sahara cause occurred on November 6, 1975, with the so-called “Green March” launched by Morocco. This march involved the movement of 350,000 Moroccan settlers into the territory, a number four times larger than the Sahrawi population at that time. This act coincided with the end of Spanish administration in the region, creating a vacuum that necessitated UN intervention.

Despite the UN Security Council’s condemnation of the march and the call for an immediate withdrawal of demonstrators from Western Sahara, Morocco’s efforts continued. The Polisario Front, a liberation movement representing the Sahrawi people, emerged and declared the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976. In November 1984, the SADR gained recognition from the then Organization of African Unity (now the AU). This recognition led to Morocco’s protest, resulting in its withdrawal from the AU.

After years of conflict, the Polisario Front and Morocco reached a ceasefire agreement in 1991, facilitated by the UN. This led to the establishment of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which has been responsible for overseeing the peace process to this day.

However, despite the ceasefire, Western Sahara remains a disputed territory, with Morocco exerting control over parts of the region. The UN continues to regard Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory and supports the principle of self-determination for its people.

The UN is committed to finding a solution that ensures the self-determination of the Sahrawi people in line with relevant Council resolutions. Nevertheless, on November 13, 2020, after almost 30 years of compliance with the ceasefire, Morocco’s aggression on the Saharawi Liberated Territories shattered the peace. This act not only terminated the ceasefire and related military agreements but also undermined the UN peace process, leading to increased tension and instability in the region.

Both the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council have acknowledged the breakdown of the 1991 ceasefire. The seriousness of the situation in the area of MINURSO’s operation cannot be denied or downplayed. Morocco’s continued aggression on the Sahrawi Liberated Territories, including the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians and destruction of their properties, demands attention and condemnation.

The final status of Western Sahara can only be determined through a UN-supervised referendum, where the inhabitants can exercise their legitimate right to self-determination. Algeria, a staunch defender of decolonized peoples worldwide, considers Western Sahara a decolonization issue between the Polisario Front and the Kingdom of Morocco. The international community must continue to work towards a peaceful resolution, ensuring that the voices of the people of Western Sahara are heard and their aspirations for independence or integration are respected in a manner consistent with international law.