Hamish Falconer, Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East at the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to UN-led initiatives aimed at achieving a fair and lasting political solution to the Sahara conflict. His statement came in response to a written inquiry from Conservative MP Andrew Murrison regarding the potential benefits of supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region.
In his remarks, Falconer emphasized the UK’s backing of Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. He noted that British officials engage in regular discussions about the issue with international partners, including Morocco and Algeria, and highlighted the UK’s encouragement of constructive political participation.
Abdelali Benlyas, a political science professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, commented on Falconer’s statement, asserting that the UK’s stance on the Sahara cannot be divorced from the broader political and diplomatic landscape. He pointed out that many nations now recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the region and support its self-determination plan.
Benlyas explained that the positions of influential countries reflect the prevailing international conditions shaped by conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in occupied Palestine, all of which affect regional stability. He argued that the UK seeks to foster stability in North Africa by engaging directly with affected nations, particularly Algeria, which he described as a key supporter of the Polisario Front.
El Abbas El Ouardi, a professor of public law at Mohammed V University, described the British position as both stable and evolving within an international framework that aligns with Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan. He noted that many British parliamentarians advocate for a stronger bilateral relationship with Morocco and support for its autonomy initiative.
El Ouardi also highlighted that Falconer’s response underscored Algeria’s role in the conflict, sending a message that it must take responsibility. He concluded by stating that Britain aims to cultivate a balanced relationship with Morocco, reflecting a commitment to combating secessionist movements and supporting territorial integrity, particularly concerning the Moroccan Sahara.
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