Sahara/UN: Algeria suffers its worst-ever diplomatic setback, Morocco’s Autonomy Plan gains international Recognition

The UN Security Council has smacked the Algerian regime with the landmark
resolution recognizing Morocco’s Autonomy plan offered for the Sahara under its
sovereignty as “the most realistic and feasible solution” to the five-decade conflict.

Drafted by Washington, the resolution was passed Friday by the Council with a
majority of 11 votes in favor, none against and three abstentions (Pakistan, Russia &
China). As in 2024, Algeria did not participate in the vote following its failed
attempts to get amendments to the draft resolution

The resolution extends MINURSO mandate for one year until October, 2026. The text
ditches definitively the obsolete self-determination referendum to which Algeria and
its Polisario separatist group are still clinging.

The text calls on the parties to the Sahara conflict (Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania &
Polisario) to engage in negotiations “taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal,
with a view to achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution”.

The resolution calls on the Secretary-General to provide a strategic review regarding
MINURSO’s mandate within six months. The UN Security Council takes note that
“many Member States” have expressed support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as
“a basis for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the dispute”.

The resolution marks a significant shift in the Council’s approach and position on the
Sahara conflict. It expresses full support for the UN Secretary-General and his
Personal Envoy for the Sahara in facilitating talks among the parties to achieve a
“just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution”.

U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over
Western Sahara in July, saying a Moroccan autonomy plan for the territory was the
sole solution. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff had said the U.S. is working on a peace
deal between Algeria and Morocco.

France took a similar move recognizing Rabat’s sovereignty over the territory. The
UK became the third Security Council member to back autonomy under Moroccan
sovereignty.

Spain, the former colonial power in Western Sahara, has also backed Rabat’s
position, along with an increasing number of European states, signaling a shift in EU
member state foreign policy on the issue.