Morocco confronts Algeria at UN, discusses De Mistura's possible resignation

Morocco's UN Ambassador, Omar Hilale, characterized the recent remarks from his Algerian counterpart as a «poorly staged show» and a «disappointing exit». «He attempted an emotional appeal about human rights, yet the message fell flat, coming from a country notorious for human rights abuses, shutting down media, persecuting opposition members, and repressing the Kabyle people», Hilale said during a press briefing in New York.

Hilale asserted that the Security Council’s rejection of two Algerian amendments marked a «diplomatic failure for Algeria and its attempts to pressure and divide the Council». He also criticized Algeria’s disregard for the resolution’s penholder, the United States, calling it «irresponsible behavior».

This incident was Algeria’s first show of this kind since joining the Security Council on January 1, 2024, according to Hilale. «It clearly demonstrates Algeria’s direct involvement and responsibility in the Sahara conflict», he remarked.

«If de Mistura chooses to resign, we won’t stand in his way»

On Algeria’s decision to abstain from voting, Hilale said it was a «regrettable departure from the process», further underscoring its direct involvement in the conflict. He also condemned Algeria’s refusal to participate in the round-table format established by former UN envoy Horst Köhler.

Hilale addressed the Sahara partition proposal, which UN envoy Staffan de Mistura raised in an October 16 Council session but was firmly rejected by Morocco. Hilale argued that De Mistura was simply passing along an Algerian proposal: «Algeria only suggests partition when it’s diplomatically cornered and facing international pressure». He reminded the audience that in 2001, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika proposed a similar partition plan to UN envoy James Baker, shortly after UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan ruled out a referendum in the Sahara.

Hilale also criticized De Mistura’s recent six-month deadline for the parties to restart the political process, implying that failure could lead to a recommendation for UN withdrawal.

«The envoy’s role is clear : to facilitate dialogue between parties, not to make assessments. That’s the job of the Secretary-General and the Security Council», Hilale emphasized.

In a pointed comment, he reminded De Mistura of the UN’s own guidelines on the mandates of personal envoys. Hilale went on to criticize De Mistura’s «complacency» toward Algeria’s stance and his «lack of authority» to push for renewed negotiations.

«Although Morocco is not entirely satisfied with De Mistura’s performance so far, as we’ve seen little progress, we continue to trust and support him», Hilale said. «But if he chooses to resign, we won’t stand in his way—that’s his decision».