The Transitional Council in the Context of the Western Sahara Negotiations
The recent proposal to establish a Transitional Council as part of the negotiations concerning the Western Sahara conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front marks a significant shift in the dialogue surrounding this long-standing issue. Observers note that the discussions have evolved from merely seeking a political solution to addressing the intricate mechanisms necessary for implementing any agreement reached. This development, highlighted in the latest report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, underscores the complexities involved in transitioning from a protracted conflict to a sustainable political framework. However, the introduction of the Transitional Council concept has elicited concerns that this transitional phase might become a platform for renegotiating the fundamental aspects of the proposed solution, particularly regarding sovereignty and self-determination, which could have far-reaching implications for Morocco's autonomy proposal, currently the reference framework for resolution.
Implications and Functions of the Transitional Council
The inclusion of a Transitional Council is not merely a technical mechanism for managing the post-agreement period among the parties involved in the Western Sahara dispute; it raises profound political and legal questions regarding the nature of this phase, the roles of various stakeholders, and the future of sovereignty and governance arrangements in the region. Guterres' recent report, presented to the members of the UN Security Council, detailed the negotiation rounds held in February 2026, including discussions around the Transitional Council and the transitional phase as part of the solution to the Western Sahara conflict. During the second negotiation round in Madrid, participants explored the creation of a Transitional Council designed to oversee various transitional operations while providing a framework for negotiating the specifics of a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.
According to the report, the discussions encompassed the roles of international stakeholders and guarantees for effective implementation, with proposals emerging around resource sharing, amnesty and reconciliation, disarmament, and election systems. Following the request from participants, UN and US teams worked together during and after this negotiation round to craft an initial draft for a framework agreement concerning a potential transitional phase. The report emphasized that if the Transitional Council proposal is adopted, this framework agreement could serve as a foundation for detailed negotiations on the model of autonomy in Western Sahara and facilitate meaningful consultations with the Sahrawi people, thereby allowing for progress in this critical process.
In this context, researcher Hicham Moattad noted that discussing a Transitional Council signifies a shift toward addressing more complex issues than merely formulating a political solution. It involves contemplating how to transition from a conflict that has persisted for half a century to a new political system without creating a power, security, or representation vacuum. He pointed out that the recent UN report indicates that participants have indeed discussed the feasibility of establishing a Transitional Council alongside various issues related to the transitional period. However, he cautioned that these elements remain part of an ongoing negotiation project and have not yet reached the level of a finalized agreement.
Moattad further elaborated that the function of the council, if agreed upon, would not be to create a parallel authority or reopen the sovereignty issue during the transitional phase. Instead, its role would be to manage the gap between achieving a political agreement and its actual implementation. He emphasized that this phase is often considered the most perilous in conflict resolution, as signing an agreement does not automatically result in the establishment of effective institutions capable of implementing it. Critical practical issues must be addressed, such as determining who will oversee the return of the population, how to integrate armed groups, and which entity will monitor the implementation of obligations, alongside preparations for elections and the transfer of powers. It is vital to outline mutual guarantees that prevent any party from believing that the other might exploit the transitional phase to alter the terms of the agreement after its implementation.
Ultimately, the most crucial aspect in this context is not merely the name of the council but rather its composition and the nature of the roles assigned to it. It is noteworthy that the original model in Morocco's 2007 autonomy initiative proposed a council comprising representatives of the parties, assisting in the return, disarmament, and reintegration processes, as well as executing the governance system and conducting elections. As negotiations continue, the outcomes of these discussions will play a significant role in shaping the future political landscape of the Western Sahara region.
As reported by independentarabia.com.
