The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), has reported that the separatist Polisario Front is gradually and consistently losing its battle against Morocco regarding the Sahara issue, especially as international support for Morocco's autonomy proposal under its sovereignty continues to grow.
This was highlighted in a report published by the ISS, which tracks developments in the Sahara conflict. The report noted a decline in support for the Polisario Front in Africa, indicating that currently only about 22 countries recognize it, while several others have either withdrawn or suspended their recognition in recent years, awaiting a resolution. In contrast, Morocco has seen 22 African countries open consulates in the southern regions, signifying support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.
Internationally, the report mentioned a decline in support for the Polisario, with the biggest setback being the recognition of Morocco's autonomy plan by three major players. The report highlighted the United States' recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara in 2020, followed by Spain's support for the autonomy initiative in 2022.
The report also pointed out a significant shift that might influence other countries, referencing a recent letter from French President Emmanuel Macron to Moroccan King Mohammed VI, where Macron endorsed the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only basis for resolving the conflict.
The report noted that the Sahara conflict has poisoned relations between Morocco, Algeria, and South Africa, although Pretoria took a pragmatic step by restoring full diplomatic relations with Morocco after its readmission to the African Union in 2017.
The ISS report also mentioned a sense of despair among South African decision-makers regarding the Sahara issue, with some South African government officials losing enthusiasm due to the erosion of support for the Sahrawi Republic and the steady growth of support for Morocco’s sovereignty claims over the Sahara.
The report credited Morocco for its strategic efforts in keeping the Sahara issue within the United Nations, where the Sahrawi Republic is not a member, and away from the African Union, where countries like South Africa and Algeria hold significant influence, and where the Sahrawi Republic is a member.
