Western Sahara Referendum Ends: Algeria Faces a Major Political Reversal

Gathered in early February under American mediation, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario Front examined an updated version of Rabat’s autonomy proposal. As highlighted by Jeune Afrique’s analysis, the starting point for these discussions is the definitive replacement of the independence option with talks on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, in line with United Nations resolution 2797 adopted last October.

On Bladi.net : Morocco’s Sahara Autonomy Plan: Key Details, Referendum and Resources

The Moroccan project is based on an institutional balance in which “the region would have authority over all matters of local interest, while the central government would retain sovereign powers.” In addition to creating an elected assembly, the text provides for a reconciliation component including amnesty for Polisario leaders and the organized return of refugee populations from the Algerian camps in Tindouf.

However, major points of friction remain between the delegations. Algeria and the Polisario notably dispute the method for appointing the head of the local executive, whom the text stipulates would be “appointed by the king,” preferring instead a purely electoral process. The composition of the electorate for the future validation vote is also dividing the sides: Rabat wants to involve all Moroccan voters, while Algiers demands a ballot reserved exclusively for Sahrawis.

This round of negotiations reflects a diplomatic turning point for Algiers and the Polisario, which, under pressure from Washington, have “in a way gone to Canossa” by agreeing to negotiate around the Moroccan plan. For the Algerian authorities, this rapprochement could be the necessary condition for ending the country’s diplomatic isolation, despite the challenge of justifying this major reversal to the national public.

On Bladi.net : Western Sahara: Washington pushes Morocco and Algeria toward a final deal

The American mediators now hope to use the next working sessions to reach an agreement in principle by May.