Western Sahara: Polisario Front challenges UN envoy’s approach

The Polisario Front voiced reservations about Staffan de Mistura’s approach following closed consultations held at the Security Council in early October. Its UN representative, Mohammed Sidi Omar, said the envoy was aligning with Morocco’s position by prioritizing autonomy, potentially undermining the mediation’s impartiality and sidelining Sahrawi self-determination. The movement said it remains committed to the UN process, while its representative in France, Mohamed Ali Zerouali, called for a revised negotiating method and renewed trust. As the Security Council prepares to decide on the MINURSO mandate, the Polisario considers the mission essential to keeping the Sahrawi issue on the international agenda.