UN Calls for Western Sahara Talks Based on Morocco’s Autonomy Plan

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Friday emphasizing that genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty could represent the most practical path toward resolving Rabat’s five-decade conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

Western Sahara  a desert territory roughly the size of Britain has been the scene of Africa’s longest-running territorial dispute since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. The U.S.-drafted resolution calls on all parties to engage in renewed negotiations based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan, which remains the cornerstone of Rabat’s proposal for a lasting political settlement.

Morocco views the territory as an integral part of its kingdom, while the Polisario Front continues to push for an independent Sahrawi state.
“We urge all parties to use the coming weeks to engage in serious discussions,” said U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz. “We believe regional peace is possible this year, and we will make every effort to facilitate progress.”

Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained from the vote, while Algeria a key supporter of the Polisario  did not participate. The remaining 11 Council members voted in favor of the resolution, which also renewed the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year.

Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama criticized the text, saying it “ignores the proposals of the Polisario Front” and fails to uphold “the right of self-determination for peoples under colonial domination.”

SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR MINURSO REVIEW

Morocco’s autonomy plan envisions a local legislative, executive, and judicial authority for Western Sahara, while Rabat would retain control over defense, foreign affairs, and religious matters.

In contrast, the Polisario continues to demand a referendum with independence as an option.

Following the U.N. vote, King Mohammed VI hailed the resolution as “a new chapter in consolidating the Moroccanness of the Sahara.” He urged Sahrawi refugees in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps in Algeria to endorse autonomy and reiterated Morocco’s commitment to a “brotherly dialogue” with Algeria and to strengthening the Maghreb Union.

Thousands of Moroccans celebrated the U.N. decision across the country, waving flags and chanting patriotic slogans.

However, Polisario representative Sidi Omar maintained that the resolution “does not confer any recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara,” asserting that the group will reject any process “aimed at legitimizing Moroccan occupation.”

The resolution further directs U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to deliver within six months a “strategic review” of MINURSO’s mandate in light of the ongoing political process.

U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed in July his administration’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, calling the autonomy plan “the only viable solution.” His envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reportedly facilitating talks between Algeria and Morocco.

France, the United Kingdom, and Spain have also publicly endorsed Rabat’s plan, marking a growing shift within European and Western diplomacy toward recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed region.

-Michelle Nichols