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Showing posts from October, 2024

The reasons that led Staffan de Mistura to propose the partition of Western Sahara

The conflict in Western Sahara, which has opposed Morocco and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, since 1975, remains one of the longest unresolved territorial disputes. Faced with diplomatic deadlock, the UN special envoy, Staffan de Mistura, reportedly suggested partition as a potential solution. This controversial proposal highlights the ongoing challenges in reaching a compromise acceptable to all parties involved. Historical Context and Diplomatic Deadlock Western Sahara has been claimed by Morocco since 1975, after the withdrawal of Spanish colonial forces. Morocco proposes an autonomy plan under its sovereignty, supported by France, while the Polisario Front advocates for a referendum on self-determination, including the option of independence. UN resolutions and international mediation have failed to find a consensual resolution to the conflict, plunging the region into a decades-long stalemate. Previous mediation attempts, including Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, have not b