U.S. Think-Tank tells Algeria & Polisario Sahara issue is over

The U.S. Institute of Peace has affirmed that the Sahara conflict is over, saying that France’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty is a decisive step toward putting an end to this conflict which is undermining regional stability and economic integration.

In an analysis focusing on latest developments of the Sahara issue, Thomas Hill, USIP expert in conflicts’ resolution, said Morocco is gaining a growing international support for its sovereignty over its Sahara and urged the Polisario and Algeria to negotiate terms of peace before the status quo becomes permanent.

The Sahara issue shifted toward a conclusion in July when Paris recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Saharan territory, said the analyst of the independent institute, founded by U.S. Congress.

The French recognition combined with Morocco’s military advantage leave Algeria and Polisario with no choice but to eventually settle for some form of autonomy within Morocco, said the analyst, calling on the Algerian regime to seize the opportunity to negotiate for best-possible peace terms with the North African Kingdom.

Solving the Sahara conflict will defuse tension in Moroccan-Algerian relationship and help improve regional stability, said Mr. Thomas Hill, who served as a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. State Department.

He recalled the U.S. recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara in 2020 and Washington’s strong support for the Moroccan autonomy plan offered in 2007 for the Sahara as “the only basis for a just and lasting solution” to this issue.

Since 2020, 37 nations have followed in the footsteps of the United States, the penholder of the UN Security resolutions on the Sahara. Yet, France’s recognition of the Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is consequential because the European country, one of Big Five at UN Security Council, is the most influential foreign actor in the Maghreb, said the USIP analyst, noting that France sees its economic future tied to Morocco, not Algeria.

The overwhelming majority of the EU, the African Union and the Arab league support Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, while China, Russia, Britain and others are expected to follow suit, said the U.S. non-partisan institute, suggesting that the countdown to the withdrawal of the Sahara issue from UN agenda has been launched.

As the U.N. has made no real progress toward a peaceful settlement, Morocco continues inclusive socioeconomic development in the Sahara, while strengthening the political and cultural rights of local inhabitants who enjoy freedoms and benefit from security and equal opportunities.