Qualitative change for the solution of the Moroccan Sahara

The United Nations Security Council yesterday adopted a resolution described by observers as a qualitative change in the course of the solution to the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara, affirming its full support for the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to facilitate negotiations, based on the Moroccan autonomy proposal, with the aim of reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution consistent with the United Nations Charter, while welcoming any constructive proposals submitted by the parties in response to this proposal.

Eleven of the 15 countries voted in favor of the resolution, led by the United States of America (drafting country), Great Britain, France, Greece, Denmark, Slovenia, and Guyana. Sierra Leone, Somalia, Panama, and South Korea, while three countries, China, Russia, and Pakistan, abstained, and not a single country voted against it. Algeria did not vote.

The United Nations Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, affirmed its support for the personal envoy's efforts to implement its decisions and advance the political process, including the continuation of consultations between the envoy and Morocco and the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania, while emphasizing the importance of respecting the ceasefire and avoiding any action that threatens the political process.

The resolution called on all parties to engage in discussions without preconditions, on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, as the most applicable solution, encouraging the presentation of ideas in support of an acceptable final solution.

It also called on member states to support the negotiations and the efforts of the personal envoy, once again extending the mandate of the MINURSO mission until October 31, 2026, in line with the secretary-general's recommendation.

The Council also commended the willingness of the United States to host the negotiations, noting the acute lack of funds allocated to Sahrawi refugees, and calling on donors to provide additional support and conduct a comprehensive registration of refugees in the Tindouf camps.

The Secretary-General ordered regular briefings to the Security Council, with a comprehensive review within six months, to assess the Mission's future strategy based on the outcome of the negotiations.

The decision comes in a changing international context, characterized by the expansion of the circle of recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern regions and the growing conviction among major powers of the need to adopt autonomy as the only practical solution to the conflict.

It also coincides with a strategic direction by the US administration towards supporting a peace agreement that promotes stability in North Africa, within a comprehensive vision of new international balances and the fight against separatist tendencies.

The decision is the culmination of a diplomatic path that succeeded in consolidating the Moroccan approach in the international arena and gaining the confidence of the major powers, emphasizing the justice and relevance of Morocco's position and the credibility of the autonomy solution as the final framework for the conflict.