Western Sahara Conflict: Polisario Front Sets Conditions for Peace Talks with Morocco

In a statement to the APS, Hamada Salma Daf, "Minister of Information, spokesman for the Sahrawi government" indicated that the "Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)" is not against peaceful solutions, but conditions its return to the negotiating table with Morocco on the latter’s recognition of Western Sahara as a sovereign state, a full member of the African Union (AU)".

He was keen to specify that the "SADR" is in favor of peaceful solutions but "remains determined to pursue the armed struggle which is strongly supported by the Sahrawi people". Reacting to the call of the African Union at its last summit held by videoconference on December 6 under the theme "Silencing the Guns" during which the two parties to the conflict were asked to create the conditions for a return to the negotiating table, the "Sahrawi" official said that the "SADR is ready" to do so and to also work for a new ceasefire agreement, but maintains its conditions.

Regarding a possible resumption of negotiations in the absence of a UN envoy, Mr. Daf felt that his presence "is not necessary", insofar as he is only a simple "mediator" in the settlement of the Western Sahara conflict. "It is the Security Council that would make the difference. Unfortunately, the latter seems embarrassed by the permanent members who hinder the settlement process in Western Sahara and the establishment of peace in the region," he added.