Financial Crime World

Moroccan Air Force Accused of Killing Three in Western Sahara

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Tensions Escalate in Long-Standing Conflict

Algeria has accused the Moroccan air force of killing three people in an attack on a civilian truck convoy near the Mauritanian border, further escalating tensions in the long-standing conflict over Western Sahara.

Background to the Conflict

The conflict over Western Sahara began after Morocco occupied the territory in 1976. The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region, has been fighting against Moroccan forces since then. Despite numerous ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, the conflict remains unresolved, with frequent clashes between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front.

International Involvement

The UN Security Council’s hesitations and divisions have hindered efforts to resolve the crisis. Pro-Polisario members call for stronger international pressure on Morocco, while pro-Morocco states oppose any scrutiny of the conflict. The Biden administration has been trying to rebuild the UN framework for Western Sahara, but its reluctance to invest significant political capital in ending the conflict has hampered progress.

Recent Developments

  • Israel’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara has further exacerbated tensions.
  • Algeria has condemned the move as a “blatant violation of international law”.
  • The US has focused on building economic and security ties with Algeria, Morocco, and other regional stakeholders.

Path Forward

To revive talks and create a climate conducive to negotiations, Washington should engage more proactively as a relatively impartial broker. This could include:

  • Asking Morocco to release detained Sahrawi activists
  • Granting the UN envoy unrestricted access to Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara
  • Encouraging the Polisario to unilaterally suspend its military operations against Morocco

Conclusion

The Western Sahara conflict remains a significant challenge to regional stability, but recent diplomatic efforts offer hope for progress. With some modest backing from the Security Council, the UN envoy has managed to open limited space for a political solution. It is essential that all parties engage constructively and work towards finding a lasting resolution to this long-standing conflict.