Sahara: Peru suspends ties with self-proclaimed “SADR”, dealing hard blow to Polisario & Algeria

Peru decided on Friday to suspend its diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed “SADR”, dealing another hard blow to the Algerian-backed Polisario separatist group.

“In accordance with international law rules, the government of Peru has decided to suspend its diplomatic relations with the so-called “SADR”, Peru’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Faithful to the principles of international law that guide its foreign policy, Lima reiterates its willingness to continue to support, within the framework of the UN, all efforts aimed at ensuring that the parties involved in the Sahara issue reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution,” added the statement.

Rabat lauded Lima’s “wise decision, which is in line with international law” and “opens up new prospects for bilateral cooperation,” said the Moroccan Foreign Affairs Department in a press release.

The Peru’s decision coincides with the new regional tour started this week by UN Sahara envoy Staffan De Mistura to re-launch the roundtable political process with the participation of Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the polisario, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, notably resolution 2654, adopted on October 27, 2022.

Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita met on Friday in Rabat with De Mistura and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s stand advocating a political solution, based exclusively on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan offered for the Sahara under the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Prior to Rabat, De Mistura visited the Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla, where he held a series of meetings with elected officials, Chioukhs, local notables and economic stakeholders. He also met with representatives of civil society, young people, and women.

De Mistura also visited socio-economic investment and infrastructure projects, and witnessed first-hand the progress made in implementing the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces, launched in 2015 by King Mohammed VI.

Last Monday, the UN released a statement saying the UN Sahara envoy “is looking forward to conducting visits in the region and meetings, engaging all concerned ahead of the issuance of the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council in October.”