Western Sahara: beyond complacency

After thirty-eight years, a lasting resolution to the Western Sahara conflict is still not in sight. Growing volatility and trans border terrorism and militancy in and around North Africa make the conflict a potential stability risk for the region. There is an urgent need for a settlement but the means for bringing it about are limited.

The top priority for most Sahrawis remains genuine self-governance, including better access to and management of natural resources. It is time for Rabat to act on its promises to improve its management of the area and prepare the region for autonomy.