The United Nations Security Council is preparing to vote on a new resolution regarding the Western Sahara issue, with a draft text circulating that aims to consolidate Morocco's position. The resolution reaffirms the council's previous resolution 2797 (2025) and notes the growing support of UN member states for Morocco's autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty. The draft also expresses full support for the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.
The proposed resolution welcomes the expansion and updating of Morocco's autonomy proposal, which served as the basis for discussions during three rounds of negotiations held in Washington and Madrid between Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania. The text also commends the leadership of former US President Trump, who called on parties to engage without delay using Morocco's autonomy proposal as a framework for negotiations. The resolution asserts that a genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution based on an agreement between parties and in line with UN Charter principles.
The draft resolution condemns the May 5, 2026, attack on the city of Smara and deplores the refusal of one party to engage in substantive negotiations facilitated in accordance with resolution 2797 (2025). The text also updates the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), taking note of the strategic review of the mission and recognizing that some tasks have not been implemented for over two decades. The resolution emphasizes the importance of clear, explicit, and unconditional commitment from parties to cease hostilities and avoid actions that could compromise the political process.
The Security Council will also consider several options for the future of MINURSO, including renaming it the "United Nations Mission for a Political Solution" (MINURSO). A new date for the mission's work will be set, with the initial draft fixing the end of the mandate on April 30, 2027, and continuing as a special political mission until October 31, 2027. The resolution requests the Secretary-General to submit detailed proposals on the mandate, structure, and resources of the special political mission by December 15, 2026.
The draft resolution calls for the gradual withdrawal of the uniformed component of MINURSO, with a reduction of at least 50% of authorized uniformed personnel by January 31, 2027, and the closure and consolidation of certain team sites. The text also urges parties to cooperate fully with facilitators, engage actively and constructively using Morocco's autonomy proposal as the sole basis for negotiation, and present their responses based on this proposal.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees is requested to proceed with the registration of the refugee population in the Tindouf region within six months, in accordance with international law, particularly refugee law, and UNHCR practices and norms. The resolution calls on all concerned parties to ensure unhindered access and freedom of movement for this purpose, as well as for any evaluation of durable solutions.
The proposed resolution expresses the intention to consider additional measures if parties do not engage constructively in the political process. The vote on the resolution is expected to take place soon, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the future of Western Sahara and the role of the UN in the region.
Key points
- The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution that consolidates Morocco's position on Western Sahara, based on the autonomy proposal under Moroccan sovereignty.
- The resolution updates the mandate of MINURSO and plans for its future as a special political mission.
- The vote's outcome will have significant implications for Western Sahara's future and the UN's role in the region.
