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UN Security Council Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara in Policy Shift

The U.S.-drafted measure resets the UN approach by making Rabat’s 2007 proposal the preferred basis for talks.

Overview

  • Resolution 1122 passed 11–0 with abstentions from Russia, China and Pakistan, while Algeria declined to participate in the vote.
  • The text instructs Secretary‑General António Guterres and envoy Staffan de Mistura to conduct negotiations on the basis of Morocco’s autonomy proposal.
  • MINURSO’s mandate is extended to January 2026, and the Secretary‑General is asked to deliver a six‑month strategic assessment of the mission.
  • Morocco hailed the decision as a turning point with street celebrations reported, as Algeria criticized the move and the Polisario rejected the plan as a parody.
  • UN officials have pressed Morocco to clarify how the proposal addresses Sahrawi self‑determination, noting previous concerns over vagueness in the 2007 plan.