In a conference held, Saturday, in Algeria, the Polisario denounced Morocco’s rejection of the African Union participation in the Western Sahara process. This rejection comes after the body announced that a presidential troika is the only party allowed to address the conflict.
The Polisario warned in a statement against using Horst Kohler’s resignation as an excuse to delay UN-led roundtable on Western Sahara. Commending the efforts of the German diplomat, the Front urged the UN to appoint a new personal envoy as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson announced that the Personal Envoy to Western Sahara Horst Kohler resigned. Was his decision linked to health issues or Morocco’s reported pressure ?
In a regional seminar held by the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, the Polisario sought the opportunity to make mention of «self-determination» and «independence». Meanwhile, Morocco sent elected representatives from the Sahara to attend the UN seminar.
Will Algeria’s Hirak movement have a negative impact on the Polisario ? To M’Hamed Khaddad, the Front’s coordinator with MINURSO, protests in the country wouldn’t affect the separatist movement. The Polisario, however, decreased its activities in Europe and in the US in 2019 compared to the previous years.