Moroccan Sahara: Following the Adoption of Resolution 2797, Staffan de Mistura Aims to Revive the Political Process Within a Month
A day after the adoption of Resolution 2797 by the United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, spoke on Wednesday via videoconference during the UN Deputy Spokesperson’s press briefing. He welcomed what he described as a “positive climate” now surrounding the issue, noting that “the dynamic is moving in the right direction.”
However, the UN envoy reminded that the real diplomatic work is only beginning. “The real work starts now. We’ll talk again in a month,” he said, calling on all parties to resume a constructive dialogue.
De Mistura emphasized that the Security Council resolution clearly identifies the parties involved in the process: Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania. The text, he explained, reaffirms the principle of self-determination while including “an explicit reference to Moroccan sovereignty” and highlighting “the need for a mutually acceptable political solution.” The resolution particularly stresses the concept of “genuine autonomy” as a serious option to consider.
In this context, Staffan de Mistura indicated that he expects the Kingdom of Morocco to submit an updated and detailed version of its autonomy initiative, initially presented in 2007 and widely recognized by the international community as serious and credible. The other parties are also invited to contribute their own proposals to enable the preparation of a new round of talks, whether direct or indirect.
Finally, the UN envoy expressed hope that the Polisario Front would agree to return to the negotiating table, in order to revive a political process that has been on hold for several years. Staffan de Mistura’s mandate in charge of the Sahara file runs until November 2026.
Editorial team/le7tv
