In media statements, Ambassador Omar Hilale took a firm stance against the belligerent threats made by the Polisario, while maintaining a diplomatic tone towards Algeria. This contrast in tone sheds light on the political shifts unfolding behind the scenes. In an interview with BBC Arabic, Morocco's permanent representative to the United Nations shed light on the motivations behind the Kingdom's 2007 proposal for an autonomy plan in Western Sahara. «Through this initiative, we aim to foster good neighborly relations with our Algerian brothers. We also seek to resolve a longstanding issue that has hampered the development of the Arab Maghreb for half a century and enable our brothers in the Tindouf refugee camps to reunite with their families and return to their hometowns,» he explained to the British media outlet. Hilale underscored that the autonomy plan is «a gesture of goodwill on Morocco's part.» He recalled that initially, «Morocco's stance was that the Sahara is unequivocally Moroccan and dismissed any alternative solutions. However, interventions from the UN and friendly nations, with whom we share strong and fraternal ties, encouraged the Kingdom to engage in a political process that aims to satisfy all parties, give Algeria a chance to save face, and allow the armed group on its territory to return to the Sahara.» Omar Hilale asserted that Morocco could have unilaterally implemented autonomy in the region a long time ago. «But we seek a solution under the auspices of the United Nations. We aim for an agreement with all parties to definitively close this chapter. This objective can only be realized within the UN framework and following the adoption of a new Security Council resolution that enshrines a binding agreement for all.» Hilale cautious about the US initiative for Morocco-Algeria reconciliation When questioned about the US initiative to bring Morocco and Algeria closer, Hilale exercised caution, deferring the matter to Steve Wittkoff, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump to the Middle East, who made this announcement last October. «Personally, I have no information on this subject,» the diplomat stated, while welcoming the Trump administration's initiative, «which is focused on regional security and stability, fostering cooperation between Morocco and Algeria, and turning the page on disputes to jointly address major challenges.» He reiterated that «Morocco remains open to all mediations.» The ambassador also used this interview to deliver a strong message to the leader of the Polisario, who has been issuing threats against the Kingdom. «Brahim Ghali is aware of Morocco's response to his actions. Our borders and citizens are well-protected.» He highlighted that King Mohammed VI assured the UN Secretary-General in November 2020 that Morocco respects the 1991 ceasefire, «but reserves the right to defend its citizens and borders» when the Polisario declared its «war» against the country on November 13, 2020. This dual approach encapsulates Morocco's current position: open to improving relations with Algiers, yet resolute against the Polisario's provocations. Omar Hilale seeks to maintain a climate conducive to the potential Maghreb thaw desired by Washington, while emphasizing that territorial security remains a non-negotiable priority.
