Germany has reiterated its support for the strategic review of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). According to Annika Clasen-Edris, spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Middle East and North Africa, all parties must negotiate seriously and in good faith to reach a mutually satisfactory solution. The German stance comes ahead of a UN Security Council vote on the issue, scheduled for October 31.
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the Moroccan autonomy plan a serious and credible basis for negotiations. Clasen-Edris emphasized that the people of Western Sahara deserve a peaceful and prosperous future. This position aligns with comments from Clemens Hach, director of the Middle East and North Africa department at the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who stressed the need for a consensual solution.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a new US-drafted resolution, amid speculation about potential changes to the MINURSO mandate. According to reports, the draft resolution would consider "genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty" as a basis for resolving the conflict. This development follows recent discussions on the future of Western Sahara.
Germany's stance on Western Sahara has been welcomed by some as a boost to efforts towards a peaceful resolution. The country's emphasis on negotiations in good faith and its recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan as a credible basis for talks have been seen as constructive. The international community remains engaged on the issue.
The UN Security Council's upcoming vote will consider a range of options for Western Sahara. A new resolution could potentially rename MINURSO to the "United Nations Mission in Western Sahara" (MINUSO) from November 1, 2026. The resolution would also require the UN Secretary-General to present detailed proposals on the mission's structure, personnel, resources, and activities by January 30, 2027.
Germany's support for the strategic review of MINURSO reflects its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the Western Sahara conflict. Berlin's emphasis on negotiations and its recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan as a credible basis for talks have been seen as positive developments. The international community continues to engage on the issue.
The Western Sahara conflict has been a longstanding issue, with multiple parties involved. A peaceful resolution would require sustained diplomatic efforts and a commitment to negotiations in good faith. Germany's stance, along with that of other international actors, will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Western Sahara.
Key points
- Germany supports the UN strategic review on Western Sahara and urges parties to negotiate based on the Moroccan autonomy plan.
