Attaf reçoit l’Envoyé personnel du secrétaire général de l’ONU pour le Sahara occidental
Summary of the Meeting between Algerian Foreign Minister and UN Envoy on Western Sahara
On Sunday, Algerian Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, met with Staffan de Mistura, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Western Sahara. This meeting is part of de Mistura’s working visit to Algeria, aimed at preparing for his upcoming briefing to the UN Security Council on April 14, which is dedicated to the Western Sahara issue.
De Mistura’s visit also includes meetings with representatives from both conflicting parties, namely the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, as well as interactions with Mauritania, which, like Algeria, acts as an observer in the UN-led process for resolving the situation in Western Sahara.
During the meeting, Minister Attaf affirmed Algeria’s unwavering support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in revitalizing the political resolution process for the Western Sahara conflict. He emphasized that this effort should adhere to the UN Charter and the principles of international law related to decolonization.
Attaf strongly believes that the only viable path to completing the decolonization process in Western Sahara is through direct negotiations between the parties—Morocco and the Polisario Front—conducted in good faith and without preconditions. These negotiations are essential for reaching a political solution that will allow the Sahrawi people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with relevant UN resolutions from both the Security Council and the General Assembly.
In conclusion, Attaf’s position underscores Algeria’s commitment to seeing a resolution that honors the rights of the Sahrawi people and adheres to international legal standards. This meeting highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts necessary to address one of Africa’s enduring conflicts.
Background Context
The Western Sahara conflict is a long-standing territorial dispute involving the Sahrawi people, who seek independence from Morocco’s control. The conflict dates back to the mid-20th century, when Spain withdrew from the region, leading to a power struggle between Morocco, which claims the territory, and the Polisario Front, which advocates for the independence of Western Sahara. The United Nations has attempted to mediate the conflict through various resolutions and peace initiatives, but a lasting solution has yet to be achieved.
Algeria has historically supported the Polisario Front and has been active in advocating for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Its engagement with the UN and direct involvement in diplomatic discussions is part of its strategy to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
The meeting between Ahmed Attaf and Staffan de Mistura is a crucial step in the ongoing international efforts to address the Western Sahara crisis. The emphasis on direct negotiations can pave the way for progress towards a peaceful and just resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Sahrawi people. As diplomatic discussions continue, the role of Algeria and other stakeholders will remain vital in shaping the future of Western Sahara and its people.
