UN Denies Rumors of Western Sahara Envoy’s Resignation, Affirms Continued Engagement

Is Staffan de Mistura planning to resign? During a press briefing held on Monday, May 22, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), "categorically denied the information relayed by certain media that Mr. Staffan de Mistura, personal envoy for the Western Sahara, is considering resigning." Thus, he recalled that Staffan de Mistura "intends to maintain and intensify his contacts with all the actors concerned and international partners in different formats, including visits and bilateral meetings." The special envoy "appreciates the support of the members of the Security Council and the Group of Friends of the Western Sahara, as he was able to see during his meetings in New York," added the official.

Staffan de Mistura enjoys the support of the United States. On May 14, the State Department, in a statement issued following the telephone conversation between Antony Blinken and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, affirmed that "the United States supports the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, as he intensifies the UN process on the Western Sahara towards a lasting and dignified political solution for the people of Western Sahara and the region."