U.S. Leads Historic UN Vote Backing Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara
UN Security Council votes at Headquarters in New York to renew MINURSO’s mandate for one year and reference Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the basis for negotiations.
By Ahmed Fathi
UNHQ, New York: The United Nations Security Council has renewed the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for one year, adopting Resolution 2797 (2025) with 11 votes in favor, three abstentions — China, Pakistan, and Russia — and Algeria not participating.
The resolution extends MINURSO’s operations until October 31, 2026, and for the first time references Morocco’s 2007 Autonomy Proposal as the basis for negotiations toward “a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.”
US Leads Diplomatic Effort
The United States, which authored and negotiated the resolution, hailed it as a breakthrough. Delivering Washington’s explanation of vote, Ambassador Mike Waltz said the decision marks “a long-overdue step toward peace.”
“We urge all parties to come to the table and engage in serious discussions using Morocco’s credible and realistic Autonomy Proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution,” Waltz said.
He added that the U.S. — under President Donald J. Trump — remains “deeply committed to facilitating progress toward peace and prosperity for the people of Western Sahara.”
Following the vote, Waltz posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Today’s Security Council vote on the Western Sahara was a historic win and should be the start of a process for peace. All parties must seize the moment and come to the table to finally end this 50-year-old conflict.”
Rabat welcomed the outcome as a diplomatic victory. The Moroccan Foreign Ministry said the resolution “confirms the growing international consensus that autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty offers the only credible path forward.”
The vote follows a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this year reaffirming Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty and calling the autonomy plan “the only framework for resolving this long-standing dispute.”
Algeria Objects but Has No Veto
Algeria, which does not hold veto power as a non-permanent Council member, chose not to participate in the vote. Its representative argued that the text “fails to reflect the UN’s decolonization doctrine” and criticized it for “prioritizing Morocco’s territorial ambitions.”
Growing International Support
France, the United Kingdom, and several African and Latin American members voiced support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative, describing it as “credible, viable, and pragmatic.”
Diplomats said the vote reflects a growing consensus that autonomy — not a long-delayed referendum — is the most practical foundation for peace.
UN Calls for Renewed Dialogue
The Council’s decision follows a report from UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of renewed tensions and humanitarian hardship in the Tindouf refugee camps. The resolution requests a strategic review of MINURSO within six months, potentially paving the way for mission reforms tied to political progress.
For Washington, the vote reaffirms its renewed influence at the UN and in North Africa. For the UN, it represents a shift from decolonization rhetoric to pragmatic negotiation.
As Ambassador Waltz concluded, “This is the moment to turn promises into progress.”
