Publication

This report discusses different proposals to resolve the protracted Western Sahara dispute, commenting on the positions of the parties involved. The paper introduces the evolution of the Western Sahara conflict from 1974 to 2004 and describes how and why conflict resolution stalled. Subsequently, the paper looks at the respective positions of Morocco, the Polisario Front and Algeria, assesses the chances for a fair and free independence referendum and puts forward a new approach based on negotiating reciprocal recognition and legitimation. The paper points to the undecided policy of the UN Security Council.