Morocco is the Greatest Obstacle to a Peaceful Solution in Western Sahara Conflict, Says Sahrawi Diplomat
Dr. Sidi Mohamed Omar, member of the National Secretariat, Representative of the Polisario Front to the United Nations, and Coordinator with MINURSO, asserted that Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara and its refusal to make any concessions remain the main obstacles to lasting peace, despite a solution approved since the 1990s, which calls for a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people. In a statement to the Algerian Press Service on the eve of the UN Security Council’s vote to renew the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), scheduled for Wednesday, Sidi Mohamed Omar highlighted that the hindrance to the UN mission results from restrictions imposed by the occupying Moroccan state, as well as the inaction of some major powers, which have yet to adopt a decisive stance to ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolutions.
The Sahrawi official pointed out that “the UN Charter grants the Security Council all the powers and tools necessary to enforce its decisions, but progress fundamentally relies on the genuine political will of its permanent members, particularly the key decision-making countries within the Council.”
Ambassador Omar emphasized that the official negotiations regarding the future of Western Sahara are taking place between the two conflict parties, the Polisario Front and Morocco. However, he believes that support from Sahrawi civil society, through bolstering efforts for the right to self-determination and spreading awareness of the true situation in the region, could help to expand international solidarity for this cause.
Regarding the role of major powers, Sidi Mohamed Omar was clear that “France is the primary supporter of Morocco’s occupation,” while the United States plays a dual role as a “penholder” for Western Sahara issues at the Security Council, putting them in a position of responsibility that should compel them to withdraw their support for the occupation and seriously contribute to a just solution.
In light of the ongoing human rights violations in the occupied territories, Dr.Omar urged the international community to document these violations and use them as leverage to pressure Morocco, suggesting the inclusion of a human rights component in MINURSO’s mandate, which remains an exception among UN missions regarding civilian protection.
Additionally, the Sahrawi diplomat underscored that “the military and intelligence alliance between Morocco and the Zionist entity poses a danger to regional security and stability, as Morocco seeks allies to back its expansionist policies.” Despite all challenges, the Sahrawi official affirmed that the Sahrawi people are determined to continue their struggle, considering victory the only option to achieve freedom and sovereignty.
