The Security Council passed a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN's Western Sahara mission for one year. The text signals a major change in the way the United Nations will guide the effort to find a solution to the decades-long dispute.

Meeting in New York on Friday, October 31, the United Nations Security Council voted to extend the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until October 31, 2026. The resolution explicitly cites Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan as the basis for reviving negotiations on the disputed territory.

The adopted text states that “genuine autonomy within the Moroccan state while providing for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara” to achieving a “just, lasting and mutually acceptable” political settlement based on compromise.

The resolution supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to restart dialogue among Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania

The resolution supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to restart dialogue among Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania. It calls on all parties to resume talks without preconditions, using Morocco’s proposal as a reference point, and to present ideas that could advance a political agreement.

The document reaffirms the need to uphold the ceasefire and refrain from actions that could jeopardize the political process. It also raises concern over inadequate humanitarian funding for Sahrawi refugees and urges member states and donors to increase their contributions. The Council again called for the regular registration of refugees in the camps.

The vote followed several days of intense diplomatic negotiations. The United States, France, and the United Kingdom backed explicit reference to Morocco’s autonomy plan, while Algeria, a non-permanent member of the Council, opposed it, according to multiple diplomatic sources. The Polisario Front has rejected any framework based on Moroccan sovereignty.

MINURSO was established in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and organize a self-determination referendum. The vote has never taken place due to disagreements over voter eligibility, and the mission has since focused on maintaining the ceasefire and observing conditions on the ground.

The decision comes as the Western Sahara dispute remains one of the longest-running issues on the UN agenda. The conflict dates back to 1975, when Spain withdrew from the territory. At the time, the International Court of Justice recognized historical ties of allegiance between some Sahrawi tribes and the Moroccan monarchy, though it said those links did not constitute proof of sovereignty. On that basis, the Polisario Front declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic with Algerian backing, while Morocco asserted sovereignty over the territory.

MINURSO was established in 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and organize a self-determination referendum. The vote has never taken place due to disagreements over voter eligibility, and the mission has since focused on maintaining the ceasefire and observing conditions on the ground.

“Historic” Opportunity for Reunification

In recent years, under King Mohammed VI, Morocco has built broad international support for its autonomy plan. The United States recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020. Spain endorsed the autonomy plan in 2022 as the “most serious and realistic” solution, followed by France in 2024 and the United Kingdom in 2025.

The resolution comes just days ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Green March (November 6, 1975-November 6, 2025) and is widely seen as a diplomatic victory for Morocco.

King Mohammed VI emphasized the need for a “solution where there are no winners or losers – a solution that preserves the dignity of all parties.” He added that Morocco does not view the development “as a trophy” or seek to inflame divisions.

That evening, King Mohammed VI hailed the decision as “a pivotal moment and a crucial turning point in the history of modern Morocco.” He emphasized the need for a “solution where there are no winners or losers – a solution that preserves the dignity of all parties.” He added that Morocco does not view the development “as a trophy” or seek to inflame divisions.

The monarch also addressed the Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf, urging them to “seize this historic opportunity in order to reunite with their families, and take advantage of the Autonomy Initiative. That Initiative makes it possible for them to contribute to managing their local affairs, develop their homeland, and build their future within a unified Morocco.”

Louis-Nino Kansoun