Overview
- The council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution recommending Western Sahara be negotiated as an autonomous region under Moroccan sovereignty.
- Eleven of 15 members voted in favor, Russia, China and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria, a current council member, did not participate.
- The text urges parties to resume talks without preconditions using the Moroccan plan, with UN chief António Guterres and envoy Staffan de Mistura tasked to advance negotiations.
- MINURSO’s mandate was extended for one year, with Germany noting participation of up to four military observers in the mission.
- Algeria and the Polisario Front criticized the move as sidelining a referendum on independence, while Morocco’s king welcomed a major shift and crowds celebrated in Rabat.