UN Security Council Resolution on Moroccan Sahara Highlights Algeria’s Responsibility in the Artificial Conflict
The United Nations Security Council issued a new resolution last Thursday regarding the Moroccan Sahara conflict, extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year until October 31, 2025. This resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s ongoing support for Morocco’s efforts and consolidates the progress Morocco has made in its pursuit of a political and lasting solution to this regional conflict.
The resolution received the approval of 12 members, with Russia and Mozambique abstaining. It represents a significant step towards strengthening Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern territories and reflects the growing international support for the autonomy initiative as a practical, realistic solution, despite Algeria’s abstention from voting in protest over the disregard for its proposals.
Resolution 2756 reaffirms the international community’s support for Morocco’s proposed autonomy initiative, a serious and credible solution that has garnered increasing international backing since its introduction in 2007. This resolution also echoes the spirit of previous resolutions on the Sahara, from Resolution 1754 (2007) up to Resolution 2703 (2023).
The new text reestablishes the framework, participants, and objectives of the political process, noting the progress from roundtable meetings held in 2018 and 2019 with Morocco, Algeria, the Polisario Front, and Mauritania, creating a serious space for diplomacy. The resolution also welcomes the invitation by the current personal envoy to hold informal consultations with the parties and additional countries such as France, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States at the UN headquarters in March 2023.
The resolution further commends Morocco’s key role in maintaining security and stability in North Africa and the Sahel, stating that “a political solution to this long-standing conflict and increased cooperation among Arab Maghreb Union member states would contribute to stability and growth, creating employment and opportunities for the peoples of the Sahel region.”
The Security Council also acknowledged Morocco’s efforts to improve living standards and strengthen rights in the southern provinces, welcoming the “recent dynamism” and encouraging Morocco to continue these efforts, a clear reference to Morocco’s efforts in promoting human rights and infrastructure development in the region, supported by the regional development model launched in 2015.
Despite the challenges surrounding the issue, the Security Council reaffirmed its support for MINURSO’s work in monitoring the ceasefire and observing the situation, underscoring the mission’s importance in ensuring regional stability and preventing escalation. It emphasized the need to facilitate MINURSO’s tasks, particularly in terms of freedom of movement and logistical supplies, to ensure effectiveness on the ground.
The resolution also calls on other parties to engage in constructive negotiations, stressing the importance of all parties, including Algeria, committing to the UN-led political process. It urges the Polisario Front to respect the ceasefire and return to negotiations after its recent unilateral escalations, highlighting the need for a political and diplomatic solution.
This resolution enhances Morocco’s gains on the Sahara issue and supports its peaceful efforts by recognizing the importance of the autonomy initiative, serving as a clear message of support for Morocco in the path to a final resolution of this conflict, affirming its role as a strategic partner in the region.
