US Pushes for Major Changes to UN Mission in Western Sahara
Published
The United States is calling for major changes to MINURSO, the United Nations mission in Western Sahara. The proposed changes include moving away from the mission's original mandate to organise a referendum on the territory's future. The mission was set up to help prepare such a vote, and the proposal would change its role in a significant way.
Western Sahara is a disputed area in north-west Africa. Morocco controls most of the territory and considers it part of its country. The Polisario Front, which is backed by Algeria, wants independence. For decades, the UN has tried to help the two sides reach a settlement, and the referendum idea has been central to those efforts. Because of this, a change to the mission's mandate is an important political issue.
The US proposal is part of a wider set of diplomatic discussions this week. The Africa Report's weekly preview also covers Russia's activities in Africa and mentions South Africa in its headline, although the available information on these topics is limited. Readers in South Africa should keep in mind that these developments are still being discussed, and the final outcome is not yet known.
For South Africa, the Western Sahara question is closely linked to the African Union and to the country's long-standing support for self-determination. South Africa has often spoken about the rights of people in disputed territories, so changes to the UN mission may be followed closely in Pretoria. Further decisions will depend on negotiations at the United Nations Security Council and on the positions of the countries involved.
Sources: The Africa Report
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