The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara is still without a leader. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposal of Colin Stewart of Canada to replace Kim Bolduc as head of the MINURSO has been formalized. Meanwhile, Morocco maintains its reservations concerning the new candidate’s CV. Details.
A declassified document released by the CIA has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Green March. Moroccans were able to enter the Sahara due to an agreement reached by Juan Carlos, Spain's Crown Prince at that time and King Hassan II, states the American agnecy.
The new airline route launched recently by Transavia, a low-cost airline, has irritated the Polisario Front. The separatist movement, as a result, has sued the Dutch company to protest against the new flight linking Paris to Dakhla. Details.
While the Minurso’s mandate has not been extended to monitor human rights in Western Sahara, a number of American senators want the Trump administration to consult the United Nations mission before sending aid to the region.
On the Fourth Committee dedicated to Special Political and Decolonization, the Western Sahara conflict continues to divide the member states of the United Nations. On Monday, a number of countries have shown support to Morocco while giving recommendations on the Western Sahara conflict. On the other hand, several states, on Friday, have chosen to back the Polisario Front. Details.
South Africa is once again trying to assist the Polisario’s leadership. In August, the country showed support for the Front in a statement delivered before the South African Development Community countries, while in September it managed to mention the Western Sahara conflict during a BRICS’ conference. Yesterday and during the 5th ordinary session of the Pan-African Parliament, Pretoria imposed Brahim Ghali as a guest of honor.
Unsurprisingly, Morocco supports the position of the Rajoy government hostile to the referendum in Catalonia. A position announced by Minister Mustapha El Khalfi.