On October 31, 2025, Morocco achieved a significant diplomatic victory at the United Nations regarding the contentious Western Sahara issue. The UN Security Council voted in favor of a resolution that reaffirmed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region, a long-standing point of contention between Morocco and the Sahrawi independence movement known as the Front Polisario.
Key Details of the UN Security Council Resolution
The resolution was passed with 11 votes in favor, no votes against, and 3 abstentions from Russia, China, and Pakistan. Algeria chose not to partake in the voting process. This outcome is seen as a pivotal moment for Morocco’s position in the ongoing geopolitical dispute over Western Sahara.
Support from Major Powers
The resolution received backing mainly from the United States and France, highlighting their support for Morocco’s claims. Historically, the conflict over Western Sahara has been a significant issue in North African geopolitics for over fifty years.
Significance of the Resolution
Formally, the Council’s meeting aimed to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Organization of a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which was set to expire on the same day. This yearly renewal process has been standard since the mission’s establishment in 1991.
- Vote outcome: 11 in favor, 0 against, 3 abstentions
- Participating countries: Algeria abstained, while Russia, China, and Pakistan did not support.
- Key supporters: United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
- Resolution focus: Morocco’s autonomy plan as a framework for conflict resolution.
This year’s resolution stands out not only for its diplomatic success for Morocco but also for the potential redefinition of the narrative surrounding the Western Sahara conflict in international circles.
