A rocket attack targeting a civilian area of Es-Smara, in Morocco’s Western Sahara, prompted a series of strong reactions from the UN, the European Union, and several Western powers in less than 48 hours.
The international community reacted swiftly after the May 5 attack near the Es-Smara prison, which injured one civilian, according to local sources.
Official statements came from, among others, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, the European Union ambassador to Morocco, and several diplomatic missions accredited to the UN.
The incident occurred against a backdrop of renewed diplomatic efforts surrounding the Western Sahara issue, following the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025).
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric relayed the position of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, indicating that the latter “supports and shares the concerns expressed by MINURSO” regarding attacks targeting civilian areas.
The UN official stressed the need for a return to dialogue, stating that “this is the time for dialogue and negotiations, not for military escalation.”
This position was also echoed by the European Union. On the X network, Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev affirmed that “the recent attack on Smara must be condemned,” calling for negotiations “in accordance with resolution 2797 (2025),” based on the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco. This position was reinforced by reactions from permanent members of the Security Council. The French mission to the UN condemned the attack claimed by the Polisario Front against the city
of Es-Smara, stating that it threatens regional stability and jeopardises the ongoing political process.
Paris considers the Moroccan autonomy initiative to be the only basis for reaching a lasting solution.
For its part, the US mission to the UN also denounced the acts as incompatible with the spirit of recent discussions, calling for an end to a conflict described as 50 years old.
On the ground, local authorities reported two explosions near the prison. A wounded woman was evacuated to a provincial hospital. Security forces were deployed to secure the area and launch an
investigation into the origin of the gunfire.
The Polisario Front claimed responsibility for the operation in a statement, asserting that it had targeted military objectives, a version contradicted by initial reports indicating impacts in a
civilian area.
This series of diplomatic reactions illustrates strengthening international consensus in favour of de-escalation and a return to the political process, at a time when security incidents are undermining
efforts led by the United Nations.
MK/AK/te/fss/as/APA