UN security council extends MINURSO mandate, supports Morocco’s autonomy proposal

The United Nations Security Council on Saturday adopted Resolution 2797 (2025), renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year until October 31, 2026.

The 15-member Council voted 11 in favour, with three abstentions from China, Pakistan, and Russia. Algeria did not participate.

The resolution references Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Proposal as the basis for negotiations, which envisions Western Sahara as self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty. Council members expressed support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating discussions, urging all parties to engage without preconditions to achieve a “just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution.”

Historic Vote, Divergent Positions

The United States, which drafted the resolution, called the vote historic, emphasizing that it creates momentum for “a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara.” U.S. officials underscored the importance of using Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only basis for a just and lasting solution.”

Several Council members abstained, citing concerns over balance and adherence to UN decolonization principles. Algeria criticized the resolution for prioritizing Moroccan territorial ambitions while overlooking the aspirations of the Frente POLISARIO, the Sahrawi liberation movement. Russia and China abstained, noting that the text did not fully reflect all Council members’ concerns. Pakistan expressed that the resolution insufficiently addressed the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.

Supporters Emphasize Negotiation and Feasibility

Several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Panama, Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, and Sierra Leone, welcomed the resolution and highlighted Morocco’s autonomy plan as a credible, flexible, and structured basis for negotiations. Delegates stressed that the resolution does not prejudge the outcome and called for good-faith engagement between Morocco, Frente POLISARIO, and neighbouring states under UN supervision.

Denmark clarified that supporting the autonomy plan does not equate to recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Other supporters emphasized that the goal remains a mutually acceptable political solution, respecting the principle of self-determination.

MINURSO’s Continuing Role

Established in 1991 following a UN-Organization of African Unity settlement, MINURSO’s original mandate included organizing a referendum on Western Sahara’s future — which has yet to occur. The mission continues to oversee ceasefire agreements and facilitate dialogue. The Security Council requested a strategic review within six months to assess MINURSO’s future role, based on the progress of negotiations.

While the resolution reflects broad international support for restarting negotiations, it also exposes the complex geopolitical divides surrounding Western Sahara, highlighting the ongoing tension between territorial claims, Sahrawi self-determination, and regional diplomacy.

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