UN calls for urgent action in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the "serious situation" in the refugee camps in Tindouf due to a lack of funding for their basic needs, despite "generous support" from Algeria and other donors. Reports indicate that the Polisario Front has been diverting humanitarian aid for personal purposes.

As reported by Telexpresse, Guterres also confirmed Morocco's commitment to the ceasefire agreement. This reaffirmation came during a mediation attempt led by Staffan de Mistura, Guterres' personal envoy for the Sahara, accompanied by Alexander Ivanko, head of the MINURSO mission, and General Fakhrul Ahsan, commander of the MINURSO mission. The proposal for a cessation of hostilities was presented during the month of Ramadan. 

The report presented to the UN General Assembly, which covers the period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, reveals that in late February, De Mistura, Ivanko and Ahsan proposed a ceasefire to both the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the Polisario Front. The Moroccan army's response reaffirmed Rabat's commitment to the ceasefire agreement signed in 1990. 

The document underlines that Morocco has also asserted its right to respond to any incident provoked by the Polisario Front, which has continued to justify its actions since it violated the agreement in 2020, when Morocco regained control of the Guerguerat crossing. 

The report also describes a visit by MINURSO forces, accompanied by the Royal Armed Forces, to the sand wall in the Mahbes area, where traces of explosive mortar ammunition used by the Polisario Front were found. In addition, Guterres mentioned the "terrorist attack in Smara" and revealed that, following the incident, the MINURSO mission observed Moroccan drone flights east of the sand wall, confirming some losses.

During the period covered by the report, Guterres noted a reduction in the level of tension and insecurity in the region. 

Moreover, the UN Secretary-General emphasised that the Security Council treats the Sahara issue as a matter of peace and security, seeking in its resolutions a just, lasting and acceptable political solution. The latest Security Council resolution praised Morocco's autonomy proposal, which has won continued support from Council members, with France being the most recent endorser. 

The document details the visits made by Staffan de Mistura, which included the four main parties to the conflict: Algeria, Britain, Russia, the United States and Spain. It also mentions meetings with senior French officials in March and a visit to South Africa. Guterres noted that De Mistura had broad support during all his visits, as well as in his presentation to the Security Council last April. 

Finally, Guterres expressed his concern about developments in Western Sahara and reiterated the readiness of the UN to facilitate inclusive negotiations, with the participation of all stakeholders.

Morocco's commitment to the ceasefire in Western Sahara and the UN mediation efforts reflect the importance of finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict. Furthermore, the active involvement of multiple international actors and the support for autonomy proposals underline the need for continued cooperation to ensure stability and security in the region, as well as to address the delicate situation in the Tindouf refugee camps.