Following the historic resolution of the United Nations Security Council recognizing the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only way to resolve the dispute over the Sahara, a new phase has opened, that of the concrete implementation of this decision and the definitive end of the inertia that has marked this issue for decades.
On the evening of the resolution's adoption, King Mohammed VI addressed the nation, announcing a shift from a management phase to a phase of change, as reported by the daily newspaper Al Ahdath Al Maghribia in its weekend edition of November 8-9. The monarch indicated that Morocco would undertake a detailed update of its autonomy initiative, which it would present to the United Nations to serve as the sole basis for future negotiations, as a realistic and applicable solution.
Following this momentum, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, expressed his expectation of receiving the updated version of the Moroccan plan, which he considers the foundation for future discussions on the territory's future. During a press conference held via videoconference, De Mistura described the recent Security Council resolution as a significant step, reflecting renewed international momentum and a clear desire to end a half-century-long conflict. He invited all parties to commit to the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, as reported by Al Ahdath Al Maghribia.
While maintaining a diplomatic tone, De Mistura was careful to remain faithful to the spirit and letter of Resolution 2797, emphasizing that it reflects a renewed international commitment and a sincere desire to find a political solution. He also commended the leading role of the American administration, particularly that of Presidential Advisor Massad Boulos and US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, as well as the explicit support of France and the United Kingdom.
The UN envoy also mentioned the constructive participation of other Security Council members, including those who abstained, such as Russia and China. Moscow, without resorting to its veto as Algiers had hoped, affirmed its support for international efforts aimed at reaching a political solution based on Security Council resolutions and in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, writes Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Vershinin, also spoke by telephone with De Mistura to discuss ways to move forward with the settlement process, the article states.
These stances demonstrate the international community's desire to move beyond the UN resolution. However, the Algerian regime and the Polisario separatist movement appear destabilized, issuing increasingly contradictory statements. At times, they claim a diplomatic victory, while at others, they reject the very content of the decision. Algiers has attempted to portray the situation as a quiet diplomatic success, resorting to the tired rhetoric of decolonization, seeking to mask the failure of its strategy.
Within the Polisario Front, internal divisions have deepened. The so-called Martyr's Front faction, opposed to the current leadership, has accused the latter of selling illusions to the population of the Tindouf camps, knowing full well that the creation of a new state in the region is impossible, reports Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. According to this dissident movement, the Polisario leadership clings to an outdated discourse, based on empty slogans about self-determination, while the international community recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces.
In a strongly worded statement, this group asserted that history would judge favorably those who choose the path of realism and condemn those who persist in ideological blindness. It called on the Polisario leadership to demonstrate courage and engage in direct negotiations with Morocco regarding the autonomy plan, under the auspices of the United Nations, in the interest and dignity of the Sahrawi people, the statement continued.
Between international support for the UN resolution and the denial of the Algerian authorities and the separatist movement, the reality is clear: the one Morocco has been defending for years. In his speech, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed the Kingdom's sincere commitment to ending the suffering of the people held in the Tindouf camps, manipulated by a regime losing its legitimacy. The monarch emphasized a peaceful and inclusive approach, stressing that Morocco does not see these developments as a victory to be exploited, but as an opportunity to build a shared future.
In a humble appeal, the King addressed the brothers of Tindouf, inviting them to seize this historic opportunity to reunite with their families and participate in the development of their region within the framework of a united Morocco, reports Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. He also extended a hand to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, calling for a sincere and fraternal dialogue to overcome differences and build new relations based on trust, brotherhood, and good neighborliness.
