UN envoy proposes Western Sahara partition plan

Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. envoy for Western Sahara, has proposed dividing the disputed territory between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front as a potential solution to the decades-long conflict.

Morocco considers Western Sahara part of its territory and offers autonomy under its sovereignty, while the Polisario seeks a referendum with independence as an option.

De Mistura suggested creating an independent state in the southern part, while the rest would remain under Moroccan control.

However, both sides rejected the idea.

De Mistura warned that if no progress is made in six months, the U.N. should reconsider his role as envoy.