Moroccan FM rejects UN partition proposal for Western Sahara

Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita firmly rejected a recent proposal by the United Nations to partition Western Sahara, labeling it "unacceptable" during a press conference Monday in Rabat, AFP reports. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura suggested dividing the disputed territory between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front during a closed UN Security Council session last week. Bourita noted that Morocco had already rejected this idea during de Mistura's visit in April, reiterating the kingdom’s unwavering stance that "the Sahara is Moroccan" and that the proposal contradicts Morocco's principles.

Western Sahara, a territory mostly controlled by Morocco, is considered by the UN as "non-autonomous." Morocco governs about 80% of the region and proposes providing limited autonomy under its sovereignty. On the other hand, the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, has long campaigned for independence and calls for a UN-backed referendum on self-determination, promised but not implemented since 1991. Bourita also referenced a similar partition plan proposed in 2002, which Morocco also rejected.