The United Nations' Failure in Resolving the Western Sahara Conflict

The article by Yahia H. Zoubir and Anthony G. Pazzanita examines why the United Nations has struggled to resolve the Western Sahara conflict, despite a peace plan agreed upon by Morocco and the POLISARIO in 1988 and the UN’s presence in the region since 1991.

The authors trace the historical background of the conflict and discuss early efforts by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to hold a referendum. These efforts stalled due to Morocco’s refusal to negotiate with the POLISARIO and divisions within the OAU itself. When the UN took over the peace process, Morocco’s push to treat Moroccans as Saharawi citizens and obfuscate  voter eligibility coupled with Morocco’s resistance to UN authority further exacerbated  the United Nations’ Failure in Resolving the Western Sahara Conflict.

The article highlights various diplomatic attempts, including negotiations between Algeria and Morocco, as well as repeated but unsuccessful efforts by UN officials to mediate a solution. Morocco’s military actions, restrictions on UN operations, and interference with voter registration are identified as key reasons for the ongoing stalemate.

In the end, the authors argue that the UN’s failure to implement the referendum undermines its credibility and risks greater instability in the Maghreb region. The deadlock continues largely due to Morocco’s obstruction and the UN’s inability to assert control over the peace process.

Full article

Source: Jstor

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