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International Pressure Prompts Polisario Leader to Hint at Accepting Autonomy
🇲🇦 Morocco /Conflict & Security

International Pressure Prompts Polisario Leader to Hint at Accepting Autonomy

From Hespress · () Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali acknowledged increasing international pressure regarding the Western Sahara conflict.
  • Ghali alluded to the possibility of accepting autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, a shift from the Front's long-standing demand for independence.
  • This potential shift comes amid growing international efforts to find a political solution, with increased focus on Morocco's autonomy proposal.

Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali has acknowledged mounting international pressure concerning the Western Sahara dispute, hinting at a potential shift in the movement's stance. Ghali spoke of "accelerating developments" in the conflict, directly linking them to the UN Security Council's Resolution 2797, adopted in October. This suggests a growing international push for a political settlement.

The issue of Western Sahara has witnessed 'accelerating developments recently.'

— Brahim GhaliPolisario Front leader, referring to the evolving situation in the Western Sahara conflict.

Ghali described the pressures faced by the Polisario Front, alongside what he termed "international support for the Kingdom of Morocco," as a "dangerous conspiracy" aimed at circumventing UN resolutions. He invoked historical parallels, recalling the 1970s, and urged his supporters to "close ranks" to face various possibilities. His address reflects significant concern within the Front's leadership about the evolving political landscape of the conflict.

The statements emerge amid increasing divergence within the Polisario leadership regarding the conflict's future. While Ghali's remarks opened the door to considering autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, other figures like Bachir Mustafa Sayed have reportedly rejected such suggestions, revealing internal debate. This internal tension highlights the difficult choices facing the separatist leadership.

The pressures facing the Polisario, alongside what he described as international support for the Kingdom of Morocco, are a 'dangerous conspiracy' aimed at circumventing UN resolutions and its charter regarding Western Sahara.

— Brahim GhaliDescribing the international dynamics surrounding the Western Sahara dispute.

Both the United States and the United Nations are intensifying efforts to relaunch a political process. Recent consultations in Washington and Madrid have reportedly focused on Morocco's autonomy proposal. This increased international focus on the Moroccan plan places growing pressure on the Polisario Front to redefine its position on a settlement, as options for alternatives appear increasingly limited.

Close ranks and prepare to face various possibilities.

— Brahim GhaliUrging supporters to unite in response to the changing political landscape.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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