Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has clarified Rabat's stance on the Sahara issue, emphasizing that Morocco will not let the UN Security Council's deadlock hinder its progress. In an interview with 2M on October 31, Bourita presented the latest developments as an opportunity to modify the mechanisms that have framed the Sahara issue for decades. He revealed that Morocco was aware of Russia's intention to veto the US-proposed project several days before the vote.
According to Bourita, Morocco chose not to seek to change Russia's position, prioritizing the preservation of the project's political substance over a negotiated extension of the existing mechanism. This decision aims to shift the focus from the veto to the consequences Morocco intends to draw from it. Bourita's statement corrects the perception that Morocco was surprised by Russia's about-face, instead highlighting a deliberate decision to anticipate and adapt to the veto.
The Moroccan strategy hinges on the distinction that a text can fail institutionally while revealing a favorable political balance of power. Bourita cited the eleven votes secured by the US project, including those from three permanent members, as evidence that the accumulated support does not disappear with the veto. These votes serve as a diplomatic indicator, although they do not grant a rejected project the weight of an adopted resolution.
At the heart of Morocco's strategy lies the autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty, presented as the reference for a settlement and the maintained offer on the table. The message conveyed to partners and adversaries alike is one of continuity, with Rabat seeking to change the process framework without renegotiating its fundamental political offer. The MINURSO mission, which has been a concrete and sensitive aspect of the process, is set to conclude.
Bourita emphasized that the transition will be organized, with sufficient time, resources, and logistical facilities. He framed this transition as a responsible step, rather than an expulsion. The success of this transition will be a test of Morocco's credibility, demonstrating that a rupture with a perceived outdated mechanism can be accompanied by stability. However, the end of the MINURSO mission does not automatically imply a definitive settlement of the dispute or the closure of its international examination.
Bourita also announced that Morocco will work to bring the Sahara issue before the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly, leveraging the absence of veto power in this forum. The objective is clear, but its realization will require sustained diplomatic mobilization and adherence to UN procedures. The challenge lies in translating bilateral recognitions and favorable declarations into operative support within institutions.
The intervention also addressed a warning to Algeria and the Polisario, emphasizing that refusal of autonomy will not lead to an indefinite restart of the process. However, the displayed firmness leaves open the question of modalities for addressing disagreements and achieving an applicable solution. Ultimately, Bourita's strategy aims to transform the diplomatic framework, with its success hinging on the ability to convert Morocco's support into durable decisions while securing the announced transition.
Key points
- Morocco's strategy on the Sahara issue prioritizes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
- The MINURSO mission is set to conclude with an organized transition.
- Morocco will pursue the Sahara issue at the UN General Assembly's Fourth Committee.
