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US Seeks 'Rapid' Resolution to Western Sahara Conflict

From Le Figaro · (13m ago) French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The United States is pushing for a "rapid" and "peaceful" resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.
  • A senior US official described the conflict's duration as "unacceptable" and longer than a human lifespan.
  • The US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the territory in 2020, which is contested by Polisario Front separatists supported by Algeria.

The United States is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to bring a swift end to the protracted conflict in Western Sahara, a vast desert territory with rich fishing waters. A high-ranking US official, speaking in Rabat, unequivocally stated that the conflict has dragged on for an "unacceptable" length of time, emphasizing that such disputes should not outlast human lives. This strong stance signals Washington's growing impatience with the status quo.

We are trying, within the framework of the most recent UN Security Council resolution, to reach a peaceful resolution of this conflict that has lasted for an unacceptable time, since 1975, when I was only 11 years old.

— Christopher LandauExpressing the US desire for a swift resolution to the Western Sahara conflict.

This push for a rapid resolution comes as the US seeks to build upon recent diplomatic progress. The US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, a move that was part of a broader normalization of relations with Israel. This recognition, however, remains a point of contention, as the Polisario Front, advocating for independence, contests Moroccan control, with support from Algeria. The UN considers Western Sahara a non-self-governing territory.

It is not possible for these types of conflicts to exceed the lifespan of human beings. We are therefore envisioning a peaceful solution, but also a rapid solution, because this situation cannot wait another 50, 150 or 200 years to be resolved.

— Christopher LandauEmphasizing the urgency for resolving the Western Sahara conflict.

Recent developments, including the UN Security Council's endorsement of Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan as the "most viable" solution, have created a new impetus for negotiations. The UN envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, has indicated a "real momentum" and a "chance" for resolution. From our perspective at Le Figaro, the US's direct engagement and its call for a "rapid" solution, while potentially welcomed by Morocco, will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by Algeria and the Polisario Front, given their historical positions. The challenge lies in translating this renewed diplomatic energy into a lasting peace that satisfies all parties involved.

It's ridiculous.

— Christopher LandauCommenting on the prolonged nature of the Western Sahara conflict.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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