In his latest report to the Security Council on the Moroccan Sahara, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for Algeria’s strengthened commitment to achieving a political solution to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
The report welcomes Morocco’s recent signals in favor of open dialogue with Algeria, referring in particular to the Throne Speech of July 29, 2025, in which His Majesty King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Algiers in a “frank, responsible, fraternal, and sincere” spirit.
Guterres reiterated that neighboring states, first and foremost Algeria, have “a crucial role to play in achieving a solution” to this dispute, noting that this could also strengthen their own security and development prospects.
However, he notes that “despite declarations of intent,” no “concrete improvement” has been recorded in Algerian-Moroccan relations, calling on both countries to “renew their efforts” towards regional cooperation, an essential condition for lasting peace in the Maghreb.
In the same spirit, the Secretary-General also notes the wish expressed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to see the emergence of “a consensual solution – a solution with neither winner nor loser; a face-saving solution for all parties”.
He emphasizes that Morocco reiterated to the Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, the call for the resumption of negotiations within a framework that includes all parties concerned, including Algeria.
This reminder of the need for dialogue comes as the UN and the international community are redoubling their efforts to revive the political process with a view to achieving a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, which will mark its 50th anniversary next month.