CrisisWatch is our global conflict tracker, an early warning tool designed to help prevent deadly violence. It keeps decision-makers up-to-date with developments in over 70 conflicts and crises every month, identifying trends and alerting them to risks of escalation and opportunities to advance peace. In addition, CrisisWatch monitors over 50 situations (“standby monitoring”) to offer timely information if developments indicate a drift toward violence or instability. Entries dating back to 2003 provide easily searchable conflict histories.
James Baker resigned as UN Secretary General’s personal envoy 11 June, frustrated at lack of progress toward peace deal during 7-year tenure: Morocco continues to reject Baker plan. Alvaro de Soto will take on Baker’s brief. 100 Moroccan POWs released by Polisario 22 June.
No movement towards acceptance of Baker peace plan rejected by Morocco. Kofi Annan threatened possible UN pull-out if problem not resolved.
UN Security Council extended mandate of UN mission for referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2004, instead of 28 February 2005 as recommended by Secretary General Annan, and passed resolution urging sides to accept peace plan. Annan said UN mandate may not be renewed if stalemate between Morocco and POLISARIO front continues.
UN launched program to reunite families long separated by conflict in Western Sahara.
In deal brokered by Qatar, POLISARIO front released 100 Moroccan prisoners of war captured in conflict over Western Sahara.
UN Security Council followed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s recommendation to extend UN mission in area (MINURSO) 3 months to allow Morocco more time to consider peace plan. Plan, which calls for referendum on status of Western Sahara, already accepted by independence-seeking POLISARIO front.
Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary- General’s Special Representative for Western Sahara, and UNHCR officials visited Algeria and Morocco for talks on new confidence building measures aimed at helping Western Sahara’s refugees living in desert camps in Algeria. This followed successful meeting in Geneva earlier in month with Frent POLISARIO officials.
Polisario Front announced release of 300 Moroccan POWs from camp in Algeria. Baker peace plan remains under consideration by all four parties involved - Morocco, Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania. UN Special Rep. for Western Sahara, Alvaro de Soto, toured region meeting representatives from four parties.
At recent congress of Polisario Front, Secretary General Mohamed Abdelaziz reaffirmed support for UN-brokered Baker Plan. In Morocco visit, President Chirac pledged support for country’s continued rejection of plan, increasing fears France likely to shield King from Security Council pressure to reach settlement. Kofi Annan issued statement 21 October urging Morocco to accept Plan; reports suggest King looking for solution outside UN framework through talks with Algeria. UN mission (MINURSO) extended to January 2004.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI reiterated commitment to cooperating with UN over Western Sahara. Polisario Front released 243 Moroccan POW’s held in south- western Algeria. UN Security Council repeated its call to free 900 remaining detainees in compliance with international humanitarian law.
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