UN Security Council Adopts US-Backed Resolution Supporting Morocco’s Sovereignty
In a major diplomatic development, the United Nations Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, marking the most significant international endorsement of Rabat’s 2007 autonomy proposal to date. The move strengthens Morocco’s position in the long-running territorial dispute with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, while drawing criticism from Algeria, Russia, and China.
UN Resolution Western Sahara Gains Strong Backing
The Security Council adopted Resolution 2797 (2025) with 11 votes in favor, none against, and three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and Russia). Algeria, which supports the pro-independence Polisario Front, did not participate in the vote. The resolution also extends the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2026.
The text highlights Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan—which envisions Western Sahara as self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty—as the basis for negotiations. Notably, the resolution makes no reference to a referendum on independence, a long-standing demand of the Polisario Front and its allies.
US Praises Resolution as a Step Toward Peace
The United States, which drafted and led negotiations on the resolution, hailed the vote as a “historic moment.” The US representative stated, “Today’s historic vote seizes upon this unique moment and builds on the momentum for a long-overdue peace in Western Sahara.”
The statement emphasized that Morocco’s “credible and realistic” autonomy proposal should serve as the only basis for a lasting political solution, urging all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue. The US delegation credited the leadership of President Donald J. Trump for continuing to support Morocco’s sovereignty and for prioritizing stability and peace in the region.
Background: Decades-Long Dispute Over Western Sahara
Western Sahara, a vast desert region roughly the size of Britain, has remained a disputed territory since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. Morocco subsequently annexed the region, leading to an armed struggle with the Polisario Front, which seeks an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria.
MINURSO was created by Resolution 690 (1991) to oversee a ceasefire and organize a referendum allowing residents to choose between independence and integration with Morocco. However, the referendum has never taken place due to disagreements over voter eligibility and political frameworks.
The new UN resolution Western Sahara shifts the focus from a referendum to Morocco’s autonomy plan, recognizing it as the most feasible pathway toward peace and stability.
Algeria and Polisario Front Reject the Resolution
Algeria’s representative denounced the resolution, arguing that it contradicts the United Nations’ doctrine on decolonization and undermines the principle of self-determination. Citing former US President Woodrow Wilson, the delegate said, “Self-determination is not a mere phrase; it is an imperative principle of action.”
Algeria contends that the people of Western Sahara must be allowed to decide their political future through an internationally supervised referendum, calling the autonomy proposal a violation of international norms.
A New Diplomatic Reality in the Maghreb
The adoption of Resolution 2797 (2025) reflects growing international support for Morocco’s autonomy framework, including from most European Union nations and several African countries. The Security Council urged all parties to engage without preconditions and to consider “constructive suggestions” in response to Morocco’s plan.
The Council also requested a strategic review of MINURSO’s future mandate within six months, assessing progress toward a political solution.
While the question of full independence remains unresolved, the latest vote signals a decisive shift in global diplomacy—placing Morocco’s autonomy plan at the center of efforts to end one of Africa’s longest-running territorial conflicts.
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