UN Chief Considers Romanian Ex-PM as Western Sahara Envoy, Sparking Algerian Controversy

Will Petre Roman replace former German President Horst Köhler, who resigned from his post as UN Special Envoy for Western Sahara in May 2019? In New York, rumors are circulating about the appointment of the next UN special envoy. Algeria sees this unconfirmed appointment in a bad light.

The Algerian newspaper El Watan explains the reasons. Mr. Roman is accused of being a staunch defender of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. He has participated several times in the Crans Montana Forum, held annually in Dakhla. Another reproach: the former Romanian official’s speeches in favor of "Moroccan colonial theses". In short, he is accused of a Moroccan bias.

According to some experts on the Sahara conflict issue, appointing the former Romanian Prime Minister would be a way to support Morocco, which has always proposed an autonomy plan against the Polisario’s independence will, protected by Algeria. The United States, one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, has also recognized the Moroccanness of the Sahara in exchange for the normalization of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel. A recognition that continues to provoke strong reactions.