Toward a Settlement Consistent with International Law in Western Sahara: Normative Framework, Diagnosis, and Operational Alternatives
Abstract — This article examines, in light of international law and United Nations practice, legally compliant pathways for resolving the Western Sahara question. After outlining the applicable framework ( UN Charter , GA Resolutions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV), the 1975 ICJ Advisory Opinion , the Territory’s non‑self‑governing status, and MINURSO ’s mandate), it situates Morocco ’s 2007 Autonomy Initiative and explains why, in its current form, it does not fully satisfy the requirements of free and genuine self‑determination. It then proposes alternatives compatible with international law: a UN‑supervised referendum offering all final‑status options; a transition package providing security and human‑rights guarantees; an interim resource‑governance regime based on the consent of the Sahrawi people ; and confidence‑building measures. The precedents of Namibia and Timor‑Leste are used to illustrate credible transitional architectures. 1) Introduction Western Sahara remains among the ...