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U.N. Security Council Backs Talks on Moroccan Autonomy for Western Sahara

The vote steers negotiations toward Rabat’s 2007 plan, leaving sovereignty unresolved.

Overview

  • The U.S.-drafted resolution passed with 11 of 15 votes; Russia, China and Pakistan abstained, and Algeria did not take part.
  • The text casts Moroccan autonomy as the most practicable basis for negotiations without recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the territory.
  • The Polisario Front rejected the approach as legitimizing occupation after refusing pre-vote talks, reiterating its demand for a self-determination referendum.
  • Morocco and King Mohammed VI celebrated the outcome as a decisive shift, with large gatherings reported in Rabat.
  • MINURSO’s mandate was extended for one year with a six-month strategic review, as intermittent hostilities have persisted since the 2020 ceasefire breakdown.