The Security Council today renewed for one year the mandate of the long-standing United Nations peacekeeping mission in the disputed Western Sahara, referencing Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal presented in 2007 — which envisions the territory as self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty — as a basis for negotiations.
Authorizing the continued operations of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2026, the 15-member organ adopted resolution 2797 with 11 votes in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (China, Pakistan and Russian Federation). Algeria did not participate in the vote.
MINURSO was established by Council resolution 690 (1991) in accordance with UN-Organization of African Unity settlement proposals accepted in 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO). The settlement proposals, as approved by the Council, provided for a transitional period for the preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. While the referendum has never taken place, MINURSO has continued to perform the tasks entrusted to it by the Council.
Support to Take as Basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal
In today’s text, the Council expressed “its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating and conducting negotiations taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute, consistent with the UN Charter” and welcomed “any constructive suggestions by the parties in response to the Autonomy Proposal”.
The 15-member organ also called upon the parties to the dispute to “engage in these discussions without preconditions, taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal, with a view to achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara”.
It also recognized that “genuine autonomy could represent a most feasible outcome” and encouraged the parties to submit ideas to support “a final mutually acceptable solution”.
The Council also requested the Secretary-General to submit a strategic review within six months on MINURSO’s future mandate, considering the progress of the talks.
Historic Vote for ‘Long, Long Overdue Peace in Western Sahara’
The representative of the United States, which drafted the text and led negotiations on it, welcomed “today’s historic vote, which seizes upon this unique moment and builds on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara”.
“We’ve made a genuine effort to incorporate everyone’s proposals, and they were quite numerous from across the Council,” he recalled, adding that the United States and its President Donald J. Trump are resolute in their “support for peace”.
He urged all parties to use the coming weeks to engage in serious discussions, using Morocco’s “credible and realistic” autonomy proposal as “the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute”.
“We believe regional peace is possible this year, and we will make every effort to facilitate progress towards this shared goal of peace and prosperity for the people of Western Sahara,” he concluded.
The Security Council resolution has laid out the principles and foundations for the achievement of a final political solution to the Sahara issue, within the framework of Morocco’s legitimate rights, His Majesty King Mohammed VI affirmed.
“Today, by the grace of the Almighty, we are in the cusp of a decisive phase at the international level. Indeed, the Security Council resolution has laid out the principles and foundations for the achievement of a final political solution to this conflict, within the framework of Morocco’s legitimate right,” the Sovereign stressed in a Speech, delivered on Friday evening, to His faithful people.
In light of this UN resolution, Morocco will update and detail its Autonomy Initiative, then submit it to the United Nations, HM the King added, pointing out that as a realistic and viable solution, the Autonomy Initiative “must serve as the sole basis for negotiation.”
Thus, the Sovereign took this opportunity to express His gratitude and His appreciation to all countries who, thanks to their constructive stances and tireless efforts in support of right and legitimacy, have contributed to bringing about this change.
Furthermore, the Sovereign said that recognition of the Kingdom’s economic sovereignty over the southern provinces has increased significantly, following the decisions made by major economic powers, such as the United States, France, Britain, Russia, Spain, and the European Union, to encourage investment and trade with these provinces.
“This means our southern provinces can now become a hub for development and stability, and a major economic centre in the region, including the Sahel and the Sahara,” HM the King maintained.