The triumph of multilateral diplomacy: from Sharm el-Sheikh to the Sahara

In a world often deafened by the noise of weapons and the echo of hate speech, the news of a peace agreement that manages to silence ‘the most atrocious and indecent war in human memory’ is not only a relief: it is a beacon of lucidity in the darkness.

The recent agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh is undoubtedly a triumph of diplomacy. But its value transcends the immediate: it is an urgent vindication of multilateralism as the most useful and effective form of diplomacy, the only instrument capable of harmonising divergent interests and offering sustainable solutions in an interdependent world.

This milestone demonstrates, against all fatalistic predictions, that even in the most poisoned scenarios of resentment, negotiation and political will can prevail over the self-destructive logic of confrontation.

By laying the foundation stone for resolving one of the most complex and protracted conflicts of our era, not only is progress being made in coexistence between Israel and the Arab nations, but a decisive blow is being dealt to the so-called ‘clash of civilisations’ theory.

For decades, this narrative mesmerised half the world with the idea of an inevitable destiny, justifying inaction and fuelling fear of the other. The Palestinian-Israeli case confirms an uncomfortable truth for the apostles of perpetual conflict: no confrontation is insoluble when there is a sincere willingness to engage in dialogue.

The lesson of Sharm el-Sheikh sheds light on other dramas that seem frozen in time. The principle is applicable — despite historical and cultural differences — to any other conflict that seems eternal. It also applies, urgently, to Western Sahara: an open wound that has been disrupting the stability of north-western Africa for half a century.

The international community now has a crucial opportunity. At the end of October, the UN Security Council will meet to deliberate on the renewal of the mandate of MINURSO and the mission of the Secretary-General's personal envoy, Staffan de Mistura. The stars seem to be aligning to drive concrete decisions that will finally pave the way for a mutually acceptable political solution.

It will be an opportunity to demonstrate, once again, the real usefulness of multilateral diplomacy, not as a stage for speeches, but as a mechanism capable of generating consensus, containing tensions and turning aspirations for peace into verifiable commitments.

However, as the tragedy in Gaza has starkly demonstrated, the road to peace is a minefield that requires leaving radicalism behind.

Both intransigent independence and exclusionary state nationalism are burdens that can sink any hope of progress. Only by defusing the extremes can the ‘planets’ necessary for a settlement that will end decades of suffering, exile and division be aligned, especially for the Sahrawi people, who have been greatly harmed by this prolonged status quo.

In this context, the emergence of voices advocating peaceful means and political dialogue takes on monumental significance. The recent participation, for the first time, of the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP) in the debates of the UN Fourth Committee sends a powerful message. It represents the maturity of a growing part of Sahrawi society: a new current of opinion and leadership that is moving away from sterile radicalism to embrace political realism and common sense.

It is on these foundations that coexistence, well-being and shared prosperity must be built.

The example of Sharm el-Sheikh not only offers a ray of hope for the Middle East; it sends a universal and timeless message: the most entrenched conflicts can be resolved when humanity chooses, with courage and conviction, the path of words over that of weapons.

Today, more than ever, in a fractured world, dialogue and multilateral diplomacy, such as that pursued by the Trump administration, are confirmed not as an idealistic option, but as the most pragmatic and powerful tools for carving out a more just and peaceful future.

The lesson is clear. All that remains is for us to have the wisdom — and the courage — to apply it.

Hach Ahmed Bericalla. First Secretary of the Sahrawi Movement for Peace (MSP)