United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has released a report on the situation in Western Sahara, detailing continued clashes between the Moroccan military and the Polisario Front. According to the report, the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) received reports of gunfire from the Polisario Front towards Moroccan military units along the berm, a defensive structure built by Morocco. The report also noted that MINURSO received reports of drone strikes carried out by the Moroccan military east of the berm.
The report highlighted a specific incident on November 13, in which the Moroccan military informed the MINURSO commander of continued Polisario Front activities, stressing the importance of respecting the ceasefire. The MINURSO commander responded on November 14, calling on both parties to cease hostilities and create a favorable climate for dialogue, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025). The Polisario Front responded, claiming that Morocco had violated the ceasefire in November 2020, leaving them no choice but to resume their armed struggle.
The report also detailed an investigation by MINURSO into a drone strike attributed to the Moroccan military on December 31, which targeted a vehicle approximately 130 kilometers north of the team's location in Mechik, near a traditional gold mining area. The investigation found evidence of the strike, including rocket fragments and vehicle wreckage, but no injuries or fatalities were reported. On February 3, the MINURSO commander called on both parties to cease hostilities during the Ramadan period, but only the Moroccan military responded.
On May 5, a gunfire incident occurred in Smara, a region with civilian presence. A MINURSO patrol investigated the incident, finding two impact craters and debris, including fragments near a detention facility. The incident resulted in one civilian injury and damage to the surrounding area. The Special Representative and MINURSO commander expressed concern and stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could jeopardize the political process.
The Polisario Front responded to the incident, reaffirming their right to self-defense and resistance. On May 13, the Polisario Front announced the establishment of a military office to monitor compliance with international humanitarian law and adopt a code of conduct for its military and security formations. The report also noted that on June 5, MINURSO investigated two alleged drone strikes by the Moroccan military in the Mechik area, finding two damaged civilian vehicles with Sahrawi license plates.
Furthermore, the report detailed an incident on June 7, in which the Polisario Front reported a drone strike in the Mechik area, resulting in the deaths of three Polisario Front military officers, including a prominent military and political leader. However, MINURSO was unable to obtain the necessary security clearances from the Polisario Front to investigate the incident. On June 10, the Personal Envoy expressed concern that military actions by either side could jeopardize progress towards a lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.
The report highlights the ongoing challenges faced by MINURSO in maintaining a ceasefire and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation remains complex, with both parties accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. The international community, including the United States, has expressed concern over the escalation of violence and its potential impact on the peace process.
Key points
- The UN report documents continued clashes between Morocco and Polisario Front.
- MINURSO faces challenges in maintaining a ceasefire and promoting a peaceful resolution.
- The international community expresses concern over the escalation of violence and its impact on the peace process.
