Morocco Autonomy Plan Spain Model Sahara Conflict

The Moroccan government has submitted to the various parties a text detailing its new political offer. To build this architecture, Moroccans have observed European experiences of self-governance, such as Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Spanish autonomous communities. The project integrates a major safeguard clause, modeled on Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution. This legal mechanism would allow the central government to suspend the granted competencies if the situation requires it, reveals El Pais.

On Bladi.net : Sahara Talks: Washington Pushes Morocco and Algeria Toward a Swift Deal

This proposal is part of an intense American diplomatic offensive. During a meeting in Oslo with UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, White House adviser Massad Boulos set the objective of accelerating the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2797. This UN text considers that genuine autonomy constitutes the most feasible outcome to settle the dispute. Facing this dynamic, the Polisario Front continues to demand the holding of a self-determination referendum excluding no option, including independence.

On Bladi.net : Moroccan Sahara: Washington Confirms Algeria’s Role in UN Peace Talks

Discussions are hampered by an extremely degraded security climate, revived by the recent death of Sahrawi commander Lahbib M. Abdelaziz during a drone strike. The American administration is pushing for a swift resolution in the face of this escalation of violence. "The conflict has lasted more than 50 years, an unacceptable time," warned Massad Boulos. In parallel, the United States plans to drastically reduce the personnel and budget of the local observation mission (Minurso), whose annual costs reached 68 million dollars last year.