Morocco scores diplomatic win in Sahara dispute- Council on Foreign Relations

In a recent analysis, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) declared Morocco the clear diplomatic victor in its long-standing struggle to safeguard its sovereignty over the Sahara territory, following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797.

The resolution, passed on October 31, marks a significant shift in international consensus, with CFR noting that Morocco’s autonomy proposal is now widely seen as the most viable path forward.

According to CFR, the Sahara- once colonized by Spain until 1976- has been a central national cause for Morocco.

The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has long opposed Moroccan sovereignty, advocating for separatism. However, CFR asserts that the momentum has shifted decisively in Morocco’s favor.

The resolution, which received 11 votes in favor and three abstentions (China, Russia, and Pakistan), endorses Morocco’s autonomy plan as the foundation for negotiations. Algeria, a non-permanent member of the Council this year, did not participate in the vote.

CFR highlights that the resolution urges all parties, including Algeria, to engage in talks “without preconditions,” and describes autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as “a most feasible outcome.”

CFR’s analysis traces US policy on the issue back to the George W. Bush administration, when the first autonomy proposal was supported.

That backing has continued under successive administrations, including Obama, Trump, and Biden. CFR emphasizes that bipartisan US support, along with endorsements from France and Spain, has helped elevate Morocco’s plan from one of many options to the central framework for resolution.

While acknowledging that Algeria remains opposed and continues to support the Polisario diplomatically and militarily, CFR argues that the UN vote represents a “practical solution” and a “diplomatic victory” for Morocco.

The think tank concludes that if Algeria were to encourage genuine negotiations, a resolution benefiting all parties could be within reach.

As CFR puts it, “Autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty was the right answer when proposed a quarter-century ago and remains so today.”