US Senior Advisor Massad Boulos has stated that the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, is obstructing the UN-led political process aimed at finding a solution to the Western Sahara dispute. In an interview with France 24, Boulos expressed the US position supporting Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity over its southern provinces in Western Sahara. He emphasized that the US is still waiting for Polisario to provide its feedback on Morocco's Autonomy Plan.
The Autonomy Plan, which has gained international recognition as a realistic and genuine solution, has been met with reluctance from Polisario. Boulos acknowledged that Polisario's refusal to engage constructively with the UN-led process is hampering efforts to achieve a mutually acceptable solution. This stance defies UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which urges all parties to engage in the process and contribute to finding a political solution.
Algeria's regime continues to support Polisario's reluctance, providing financial, military, and shelter support to the Front. Algeria claims to be merely an observer to the dispute, but UN Security Council Resolution 2797 clarified its role as a main party to the dispute. Morocco has also emphasized the importance of Algeria's involvement in the peace process, as Rabat does not consider Polisario a legitimate representative of Sahrawis in negotiations.
Boulos' remarks highlight the significant role Algeria plays in the Western Sahara dispute. The Algerian regime has been accused of using Polisario as a mechanism to challenge Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. By hiding behind Polisario, Algiers seeks to avoid shouldering its responsibility as a key party to the dispute.
In the interview, Boulos diplomatically addressed Algeria's role, describing the Algerian regime as a "good partner" to the US. He acknowledged that Algeria can encourage Polisario to engage with the peace process but stopped short of directly criticizing Algiers. The US has worked closely with Algeria, holding talks in February facilitated by Washington.
Boulos reiterated the US position on Western Sahara, recalling US President Donald Trump's proclamation in support of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. He described UN Security Council Resolution 2797 as historic, emphasizing the importance of the Autonomy Plan. Despite three rounds of constructive negotiations since the resolution's adoption, Boulos acknowledged the lack of progress due to Polisario's position.
The situation in Western Sahara remains complex, with Polisario's obstruction of the peace process continuing to hamper efforts. The international community, including the US, continues to support Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a viable solution. Algeria's role in the dispute remains a crucial factor, and the US has urged Algiers to engage constructively in the peace process.
Key points
- US Senior Advisor Massad Boulos criticizes Polisario Front for obstructing UN-led talks on Western Sahara.
- Algeria's regime continues to support Polisario's reluctance to engage with the peace process.
- The US supports Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
