UN envoy signals openness to Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, requests further details

At a closed-door session of the United Nations Security Council this week, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura expressed interest in gaining a deeper understanding of Morocco’s proposal for Western Sahara, according to Morocco World News.

“The Moroccan Autonomy Initiative must be explained in detail, and a clear meaning must be given to the prerogatives that would be granted to a truly autonomous Western Sahara,” de Mistura reportedly told council members.

His remarks are being interpreted by Moroccan media as a shift in stance. Until now, de Mistura has maintained support for a referendum to resolve the status of the disputed territory, while largely sidelining Morocco’s proposal.

This apparent change in tone follows renewed U.S. support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, which it has described as the "only feasible solution" to the long-running conflict. Several other countries, including France and Spain, have also thrown their backing behind the initiative in recent years.

Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which advocates for self-determination for the indigenous Sahrawi people in the region.

De Mistura emphasized the importance of capitalizing on current diplomatic momentum to reduce tensions in the region and advance toward a resolution.