De Mistura says UN mediation helped prevent war between Morocco, Algeria

United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura said his mediation in the Sahara conflict has been critical in preventing tensions between Morocco and Algeria from escalating into war.

In an interview with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), de Mistura described his role as less about making headlines and more about quietly reducing risks of violence. “Sometimes mediation produces small miracles,” the veteran diplomat said.

De Mistura, 77, who has worked in conflict zones for more than five decades, called himself an “international firefighter” and a “UN doctor.” He said he chose the path of crisis diplomacy at 23, determined to step into the world’s toughest conflicts to protect civilians and foster dialogue.

While declining to discuss details of the Sahara file, citing the UN’s neutrality, de Mistura stressed that mediation is one of the most delicate and essential roles the organization plays. He likened it to being a notary who facilitates agreements rather than imposing solutions.

Recalling past missions, he highlighted the 1984 famine in Ethiopia, when he coordinated food airlifts with cooperation from both NATO and the Warsaw Pact, an extraordinary feat during the Cold War. “Only the UN could make such cooperation possible,” he said.

Despite frequent criticism, de Mistura said the UN remains indispensable for tackling global challenges, from pandemics to climate change and wars. He praised its agencies, including UNICEF, UNHCR, FAO, and WHO, for delivering missions no single state could manage alone.

Still, he acknowledged the UN requires reform, with greater transparency and stronger adherence to its founding principles. “Imperfect as it is, the UN remains essential for global stability and for protecting civilians caught in conflict,” he said.