Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations envoy for Western Sahara, has proposed a potential solution to the decades-long dispute by suggesting a division of the contested territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front. The idea, which was raised during a closed-door briefing to the U.N. Security Council, has so far been rejected by both parties, according to remarks seen by Reuters.

The conflict, which dates back to 1975, sees Morocco claiming Western Sahara as part of its sovereign territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front fights for an independent state. Morocco’s proposed solution of offering autonomy under its sovereignty has gained increasing international support, while the Polisario insists on a referendum that includes independence as an option.

De Mistura, a seasoned Italian diplomat, suggested that partition "could allow for the creation of an independent state in the southern part, while the rest of the territory would integrate with Morocco, whose sovereignty would be internationally recognized." Despite this, neither Morocco nor the Polisario Front has expressed acceptance of the proposal.

The veteran diplomat cautioned that the U.N. Secretary-General should consider reassessing the usefulness of his role as an envoy if no progress is made within six months.

Over the years, the U.N. Security Council has called for the parties involved to work towards a mutually acceptable political solution, with Morocco's autonomy plan described as “serious and credible.” As the proposal gains traction globally, de Mistura urged Rabat to clarify and expand on its autonomy offer.

In July 2024, France became the second permanent member of the Security Council, after the United States, to endorse Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory. This move sparked diplomatic tensions with Algeria, which recalled its ambassador to Paris. Algeria has long been a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front, and Western Sahara remains a key point of contention between the two North African nations.

Spain, the former colonial power in Western Sahara, shifted its stance in 2022 by backing Morocco’s autonomy plan. Several Arab monarchies, Israel, and 29 predominantly African and Arab countries have also opened consulates in the region, reflecting their support for Morocco’s claim.

The Polisario Front withdrew from a U.N.-brokered ceasefire in 2020, though the conflict has since remained at a low intensity.